Latest news with #HalifaxSexualHealthCentre
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Doctors, health experts call on N.S. to cover birth control and HIV-prevention drug
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia physicians and other sexual health experts are calling on the provincial government to fund birth control and increase access to a medication used to prevent HIV. Four doctors, the head of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre, and a pharmacy professor made the comments today at a legislature committee hearing in Halifax. Abbey Ferguson with the Halifax Sexual Health Centre says PrEP — an antiviral medication that prevents HIV transmission — is so expensive that many people who would benefit from the drug are not able to take it. The drug is estimated to cost between $200 and $250 per month. Dr. Melissa Brooks, the medical co-director of the Reproductive Options and Services Clinic, says the province's pharmacare plan is so restrictive that it often doesn't help those who cannot afford their preferred birth control option. Kari Ellen Graham, with Access Now Nova Scotia, urged the provincial government to sign on to the federal government's pharmacare program, which helps fund birth control. So far only P.E.I., Manitoba, British Columbia, and the Yukon have signed up to the federal pharmacare program. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
3 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Doctors, health experts call on N.S. to cover birth control and HIV-prevention drug
Nova Scotia physicians and other sexual health experts are calling on the provincial government to fund birth control and increase access to a medication used to prevent HIV. Four doctors, the head of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre, and a pharmacy professor made the comments today at a legislature committee hearing in Halifax. Abbey Ferguson with the Halifax Sexual Health Centre says PrEP — an antiviral medication that prevents HIV transmission — is so expensive that many people who would benefit from the drug are not able to take it. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The drug is estimated to cost between $200 and $250 per month. Dr. Melissa Brooks, the medical co-director of the Reproductive Options and Services Clinic, says the province's pharmacare plan is so restrictive that it often doesn't help those who cannot afford their preferred birth control option. Story continues below advertisement Kari Ellen Graham, with Access Now Nova Scotia, urged the provincial government to sign on to the federal government's pharmacare program, which helps fund birth control. So far only P.E.I., Manitoba, British Columbia, and the Yukon have signed up to the federal pharmacare program. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Doctors, health experts call on N.S. to cover birth control and HIV-prevention drug
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia physicians and other sexual health experts are calling on the provincial government to fund birth control and increase access to a medication used to prevent HIV. Four doctors, the head of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre, and a pharmacy professor made the comments today at a legislature committee hearing in Halifax. Abbey Ferguson with the Halifax Sexual Health Centre says PrEP — an antiviral medication that prevents HIV transmission — is so expensive that many people who would benefit from the drug are not able to take it. The drug is estimated to cost between $200 and $250 per month. Dr. Melissa Brooks, the medical co-director of the Reproductive Options and Services Clinic, says the province's pharmacare plan is so restrictive that it often doesn't help those who cannot afford their preferred birth control option. Kari Ellen Graham, with Access Now Nova Scotia, urged the provincial government to sign on to the federal government's pharmacare program, which helps fund birth control. So far only P.E.I., Manitoba, British Columbia, and the Yukon have signed up to the federal pharmacare program. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
