Free contraception — the intended consequences of Alberta NDP's new promise

I learned today, and not in the four decades of my life prior, that most birth control pills cost $20 a month, or $240 a year. I also learned that an intrauterine device (IUD) can run $500.

I didn't know these things because I'm a man.

I already knew — through experience last fall — that vasectomies are a publicly insured health care service, but had given it little thought. Same reason as above.

Guys may not think about these costs much or at all, but their female sexual partners, sisters, daughters and female colleagues surely have had to.

Well, this dude was prompted to think about this anew when the Alberta NDP on Wednesday promised to make various forms of prescription contraception free if they're elected this spring. It's an idea directly taken from the British Columbia government's budget last week, which makes it the first Canadian province to universally cover contraception.

If NDP Leader Rachel Notley returns as premier, her promise would cover an array of contraceptives, including pills, injections, IUDs, and the "Plan B" morning-after pill. 

She said it will not only save Albertans money, but by helping prevent unintended pregnancies it ensures women will have more control over their lives and economic futures.

"It's good health policy, good economic policy and it's the right thing to do," Notley said at her announcement.

A proposal by any party a few months from an election, in opposition or government, will inevitably exist at the intersection of politics and policy.

Notley's team appears so enthused by the prospects of both that they raced to parrot the free contraception plan from their B.C. NDP counterparts in time for International Women's Day. Notley made a point of announcing it while standing in front of her 10 fellow female New Democrat MLAs. It's a message aimed broadly at women, and particularly designed to enthuse the young women that MLA Janis Irwin says have been asking for this on the heels of B.C.'s announcement, which dropped the same day as Alberta's budget.

While this is new territory in Canada, universal access to contraception is a reality in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries.

A significant number of Alberta women are already protected from the out-of-pocket costs of birth control, thanks to private insurance programs and some limited provincial coverage for young people unable to afford birth control.

How many are left out? With the hasty release of this pitch, Irwin said the NDP hasn't come up with this figure.

However, it is clear the risks of unintended pregnancy are higher among lower-income people: a University of British Columbia study has shown that young women with lower household incomes are less likely to use oral contraceptives, or any at all. And almost any Canadian woman who's used birth control might be aware that the most effective prescription contraceptive — IUDs — are also the costliest.