Provincial Government to Provide Universal Coverage for Mifegymiso

  • Health and Community Services

July 18, 2018

The Provincial Government is providing universal coverage for Mifegymiso, commonly known as the abortion pill, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mifegymiso will be available at no cost to individuals beginning September 1, 2018. Mifegymiso is an alternative to surgically induced abortions and can be used for medical termination of a pregnancy up to nine weeks gestation age.

Mifegymiso must be prescribed by a health care professional. Individuals with a valid MCP card can receive a prescription through their physician, the regional health authorities, or the Athena Clinic in St. John’s. Those with private insurance will use this first, and then the province will cover any remaining cost. Prescriptions can be filled at pharmacies across the province.

An ultrasound must be performed before Mifegymiso is prescribed in order to confirm the gestation period. Because of potential health risks and limitations with Mifegymiso, as well as follow up care required for patients who use the drug, people are encouraged to discuss with their health care provider which alternative is best for them.

Quotes
“Individuals in this province are entitled to abortion, which is a legal, medical service. Universally covering the cost of this alternative to surgical abortion will ensure people continue to have safe and unimpeded access to this health service.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“I believe the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, via Minister Haggie, have made a very important, financially responsible decision on behalf of the people of our province. With this decision, no pregnant person will be out-of-pocket in accessing Mifegymiso. In addition to full coverage for those without medical insurance, by utilizing private insurance in the way it is intended to be used, as a first payer, there will be recognized cost savings in that the government will not have to pick up the full cost of the pills for those who already pay insurance premiums. Ultimately, the cost will be 100 per cent covered for all residents of the province. I applaud this decision.”
Rolanda Ryan
Athena Health Centre

“The Medical Students’ Society is thrilled with the government’s decision to provide universal coverage of Mifegymiso. Removing the cost barrier to medical abortion in primary care will ensure that persons living in rural and remote communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have more equitable access to an essential medical service. This announcement represents a true advancement of reproductive rights to which we are proud to have contributed.”
Maggie O’Dea and Chris Vizena
Memorial University Medical Students’ Society

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Media contacts
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
EmilyTimmins@gov.nl.ca

Rolanda Ryan
Athena Health Centre
709-754-3572
athenahealthcentre@bellaliant.com

Maggie O’Dea
Memorial University Medical Students’ Society
mecod2@mun.ca

Chris Vizena
Memorial University Medical Students’ Society
cvizena@mun.ca

2018 07 18 11:15 am