Newley published research from our team found a sharp decline in prescription contraceptive use among people across Canada. This is true even in the presence of universal healthcare coverage. A new study—with alarming implications for our transportation future—published today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) underscores that trend. Misinformation—most of it spread on social media—is largely to blame for this historic plunge. Laura Schummers Laureen Lentz Laura Schummers is an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. As a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist, she’s passionate about advocating for further research on this issue in Canada.
The research finds a sharp decrease in contraceptive use among 20-29 year old women. This trend is consistent with research conducted in other countries, including Britain. Schummer’s study found a 49-percent overall increase in the monthly dispensing of long-acting reversible contraceptives. This indicates that despite rapidly increasing adoption of some methods, overall contraceptive usage continues to decrease.
Dr. Amanda Black, a past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, advocates for federal public coverage of contraceptives and other essential medications. She notes that costs continue to be a significant obstacle for many Canadians trying to access contraceptives.
“The best-available evidence tells us we need to remove cost-related barriers immediately across the country to ensure that contraception choices are driven by preference, evidence, and not cost,” – Prof. Schummers.
Black points out that the private and public insurance coverage we currently have has not been up to the task.
“That tells us that the previous mix of private and public insurance coverage was simply inadequate to enable people to use contraception if they want to, and to choose their preferred method,” – Amanda Black.
The increasing rates of contraceptive use have reproductive health advocates and pharmacare proponents worried. Most folks, including us, are afraid that Ottawa isn’t truly committed to looking for additional funding partnerships with provinces and territories. This may pose a serious threat to public coverage for contraceptives. Other provinces and territories have already made pharmacare agreements with provisions for universal contraceptive coverage. For example, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon have adopted progressive policies on this front. Negotiations with the other provinces have been frozen ever since during the recent spring election campaign.
In light of these developments, both Schummers and Black highlight the impact of misinformation on young people’s perceptions of effective contraception methods. Black has previously raised alarms regarding how social media influences attitudes toward contraceptives, particularly among those in their 20s who are increasingly exposed to debunked information online.
“That might be even more important now, given that there are other forces at play that might be pushing people away from using effective contraception,” – Prof. Schummers.
Concerns about the efficacy of tracking menstrual cycles via mobile applications and daily temperature monitoring have emerged among medical professionals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, along with other leading medical authorities, have underscored how these methods are insufficient and result in unintended pregnancy.
We appreciate the commitment shown by federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to understand the challenges ahead. She’s advocating for increased consultations with provinces to strengthen support for reproductive health projects.
“We have to have discussions with the provinces to see how we can support them,” – Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel.
Access to contraceptives is essential for advancing gender equality and equity throughout Canada, experts warn. Dr. Black believes that equitable access must be a basic right for all Canadians.
“Someone in Ontario should have the same access as someone in B.C. for something that has such a significant impact on gender equality and gender equity,” – Dr. Amanda Black.
