Canada – Quebec to give abortion pill for free by end of 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday, 6th of July, Quebec Health Minister Gaétan barrette declared that ”the abortion pill are going to be available to Quebec residents for free by the end of autumn 2017”.
“The government of Quebec has always been supportive towards the right of ladies to choose, significantly with regard to abortion,” said barrette.
“The abortion pill is an extra option, among the strategies for infancy management, that has certain benefits for ladies.”
Women who are up to seven weeks pregnant are going to be able to get the drug, Mifegymiso or RU-486, which is a two-medication package, through the province’s health insurance plan, RAMQ.
Currently, only Manitoba offers the drug for free. Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick have committed to do a similar, but are still figuring out a way to make the drug available and who can prescribe it.
Ultrasound needed?
As this as been a major issue that’s to be sort out before the commencement of the drug’s administration, the Quebec college of Physicians is still finalizing how the drug are going to be given, the details of which barrette says are going to be ready soon.
An ultrasound will be mandatory!, barrette said.
“The drug can’t be administered and will never be administered if there’s not proof that the pregnancy is under 49 days of duration. it’s to be dated, in all circumstances,” the minister said.
Women will need a prescription to access the drug, but doctors can’t be forced to prescribe the drug, barrette said.
The cost of RU-486 varies, but usually is around $300, the worth set by the manufacturer, Celopharma.
“We would have gone forward with this decision even though the worth was on average a higher price than the regular surgical procedure. we might have gone forward because we believe, again, that ladies in this province do have a choice and this is a choice,” said barrette.
Quebec’s Health Ministry recently negotiated a bulk price for the drug with the manufacturer on behalf of all provinces but wouldn’t reveal the price when asked by cbc News, citing confidentiality.