Saskatchewan pharmacists prescribe oral contraceptives, Planned

Women in Saskatchewan can now head to their local pharmacy instead of their physician’s office to get birth control. (Pixabay photo)

REGINA – Women in Saskatchewan can now head to their local pharmacy instead of their physician’s office to get birth control.

Pharmacists have been authorized to write up both new prescriptions and refills for oral contraceptives and urinary tract infection medication.

Myla Wollbaum of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan says the new policy doesn’t mean women shouldn’t consult with their family doctor.

She says it just makes access faster and easier to get the pill – especially in rural areas.

Wollbaum says many communities have a pharmacy but don’t necessarily have immediate or direct access to a physician all the time, or at all.

Shelley Svedahl of Planned Parenthood says the organization it is pleased with the change.

“It will hopefully provide greater access and, in this small province, having greater access is what we are really interested in,” Svedahl said Tuesday.

“Hopefully they (women) will go and get the help that they need, and we will reduce negative outcomes and prevent unplanned pregnancies.”

Svedahl said the next step is increasing women’s access to intrauterine devices (IUDs).

She said IUDs are a cheaper and more long-term alternative to oral contraception.

Svedahl said the demand for IUDs at Planned Parenthood has increased significantly, especially in rural areas where women normally have longer wait times to see their family doctor. (CJME)