New Options in Contraception

Abstract

In the last few years, more contraceptive options have been introduced into Canada, expanding choice for our patients. Patients and clinicians have experienced changes in how health care is accessed and delivered. For patients, this includes an increased use of the internet and social media as sources of information. Also included are changes to insurance coverage for contraception, such as provincial coverage for some (British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba), and private insurance offered through school or an employer. In 2015 the cost of universal coverage of contraception in Canada was $157 million, while the cost to provide health care for unintended pregnancies was $320 million, providing a strong economic argument for this change. For clinicians, the pandemic provided an opportunity for many to switch to increase the use of virtual care options, and toward efficiencies in practice.