A medical abortion drug, Mifegymiso, is now available free of charge to any women in Alberta who requests it.
Mifegymiso has been accessible in parts of Europe for the last 30 years and in part of the United States for the last ten.
Health Canada approved the drug in July 2015.
It first became available in Canada in January 2017 at a cost of approximately $300.
Alberta is the second province in Canada to introduce universal coverage for Mifegymiso.
The Common Drug Review recommended it for public drug plan coverage in spring of this year.
Alberta Minister of Health, Sarah Hoffman told MyMcMurray that it was important for the Government of Alberta to provide this health service to women.
“Women’s reproductive options should not be determined by their income or where they live. For far too long, women in rural communities have had to travel to major urban centres to receive a surgical abortion. By providing universal coverage for Mifegymiso, we’re supporting greater choice for women when it comes to their reproductive health,” said Hoffman.
Under Health Canada approval, physicians should complete a training program before prescribing Mifegymiso.
Before taking the drug, women must undergo an ultrasound to rule out potential health risks and to determine the age of gestation.
Mifegymiso may be used to terminate a pregnancy of up to 49 days.
The manufacturer is currently seeking an extension of the drug’s approved use to include medically terminating a pregnancy of up to 63 days.
Any pharmacist can then dispense it.
“It can be done via medication as opposed to having to have a more invasive procedure done,” said Hoffman. “Obviously we continue to support women and men in taking proactive means to avoid pregnancy whenever possible, that includes accessing a variety of contraceptives.”
She adds that you can often access condoms through many public health centres and that legislation has been clear for years that it has been a women’s right to exercise their reproductive options.
