N.L. health minister says province considering coverage of abortion pill

By The Canadian Press

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Newfoundland and Labrador’s health minister says the provincial government is considering offering coverage of the abortion pill.

John Haggie says in a statement that the province is watching what is happening across the country and looking at ways to improve access to the drug.

He says the government is working to determine the most appropriate coverage model for Mifegymiso, a two-drug combination that induces an abortion up to nine weeks into a pregnancy.

Every province in Canada, except for Newfoundland and Labrador, has announced some cost coverage of the drug, from payment depending on a patient’s income, private health benefits and other factors to full universal coverage.

Medical students at Memorial University in St. John’s are meeting with provincial legislators this week to advocate for universal coverage of Mifegymiso.

Haggie says he looks forward to a meeting with medical students, expected Wednesday.

Surgical abortions are offered only in St. John’s at the Health Sciences Centre General Hospital or at a standalone private abortion clinic, the Athena Health Centre, although the clinic has plans to open two satellite locations in Corner Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor.

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