In response to the B.C. initiative, the Alberta NDP committed to offering free access to prescription contraception to all Albertans if elected in the next provincial election. So far, the UCP has declined to make the same commitment.

As physicians who work in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, we are in a unique position to attest to the financial barriers that prevent some Albertans from accessing the form of birth control that is right for them. Not all forms of contraception are equivalent, and choosing a type of birth control is a decision that has to be tailored to each patient’s goals, circumstances, and medical history.

For example, estrogen-containing birth control pills are contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions. Some contraceptives might interact with medications used to treat chronic health conditions. Patients cannot simply settle for the cheapest option available to them; it would be both impractical and medically inadvisable to do so.

Some of the most effective forms of contraception, such as the hormonal IUD and the contraceptive implant, are also the most expensive to purchase up front. The hormonal IUD can cost more than $400 without drug coverage. Studies have shown that, when offered all types of contraception for free, women prefer the IUD and contraceptive implant. In reality, a minority of women end up choosing these forms of contraception, at least partly because of cost. Albertans should be able to access the most effective form of birth control, not just the one that they can afford.

Opponents to government-funded contraception often argue that tax dollars should not be spent on contraception, and should instead remain the financial responsibility of each individual, due to the associated costs of a large-scale program. This argument is nearsighted, as it fails to recognize the financial impacts of unplanned pregnancy on society, as well as the various health benefits associated with contraception.

From a purely economical perspective, the cost of admission to hospital for labour, delivery, and the postpartum period can be significant. According to a 2015 report from Alberta Health, a typical vaginal delivery costs approximately $5,000 to the public system, whereas costs associated with a caesarean section can reach up to $10,000.

Preventing several unplanned pregnancies in Alberta each year would save the system a considerable amount of money. Beyond hospital-associated costs, a 2010 report from B.C. group Options for Health found that every dollar spent on contraception could help save as much as $90 in public spending on social supports after an unplanned pregnancy.

In addition, some forms of birth control have health benefits beyond their contraceptive effect. For example, both the birth control pill and hormonal IUD can be used to treat painful and heavy periods, which could otherwise lead to absenteeism and frequent ER visits. Some forms of contraception can also be used for ovarian and uterine cancer prevention. In short, free contraception is not only good medical care; it is also sound economic policy.

As physicians with expertise in the field of contraception, we commend the commitment of the NDP to provide free prescription birth control to all Albertans, and call on the UCP to make the same commitment. We encourage all individuals to publicly express their support for free contraception, even if they do not plan on directly accessing birth control in the future.

After all, when contraception is free and accessible, our whole society benefits.

Dr. Ariane Litalien is a resident physician training in obstetrics and gynecology in Edmonton. Dr. Ashley Demsky and Dr. Rebecca Rich are obstetrician-gynecologists practising in Edmonton.