Province eliminates doctor referral for abortions, abortion pill will be free
Posted Sep 22, 2017 09:17:58 AM.
Last Updated Sep 22, 2017 09:25:08 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nova Scotia will be making the abortion pill available free of cost.
They say women with a valid health card will be able to get a prescription for Mifegymiso, and then pick the drug up at pharmacies across the province starting in November.
The government will pick up any fees not already covered through private insurance, they estimated cost is between $175,000 and $200,000 per year.
“We’re supporting more choice for women when it comes to their reproductive health,” said Kelly Regan, minister responsible for the status of women.
The province says women will also no longer need a doctor’s referral to get a surgical abortion.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority will be hiring additional staff to handle self-referrals at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre’s Termination of Pregnancy Unit and are in the process of setting up a phone line where women can make appointments and get advice.
