adult.caBirth control in Canada
Birth control prevents pregnancy but does not protect against STIs; condoms lower that risk.
How well methods work in real life
Out of 100 typical users in the first year, fewer than 1 has an unplanned pregnancy with an IUD or implant, about 6 with the shot, about 9 with the pill, patch or ring, and about 18 with male condoms.
Emergency contraception
Levonorgestrel emergency pills (such as Plan B) are available in Canadian pharmacies without a prescription; ulipristal (Ella) needs a prescription. A copper IUD inserted by a provider is the most effective emergency option. The sooner emergency contraception is used, the better it works.
Cost and coverage
Health Canada estimated oral contraceptives cost about $300 a year and IUDs up to about $500, and announced plans with provinces and territories for single-payer coverage of contraception. Coverage depends on where you live; see the province table below.
What is free in each province
Short labels: Some sites Free for some / at some sites · Covered, costs Covered, costs may apply · Offered Offered publicly, cost not stated · Not funded Not publicly funded for adults · Not confirmed not confirmed.
| Province or territory | Prescription birth control | Emergency contraception | Condoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Free source | Free source | Some sites source |
| Alberta | Some sites source | Some sites source | Some sites source |
| Saskatchewan | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Manitoba | Free source | Free source | Some sites source |
| Ontario | Some sites source | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Quebec | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| New Brunswick | Not confirmed | Offered source | Some sites source |
| Nova Scotia | Covered, costs source | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Prince Edward Island | Free source | Free source | Not confirmed |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Yukon | Covered, costs source | Not confirmed | Free source |
| Northwest Territories | Some sites source | Some sites source | Some sites source |
| Nunavut | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Free source |
Checked Oct 26, 2026. Each "source" link opens the official page we read. "Not confirmed" means we could not confirm it from an official page that day; the province and territory cards on the full table give each official health line as a next step. Full details: free sexual health care table.
Sources
- Health Canada: Universal access to contraception (backgrounder, Feb 29, 2024): https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/02/backgrounder-universal-access-to-contraception.html
- HealthLink BC: Effectiveness rate of birth control methods: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/effectiveness-rate-birth-control-methods
- Government of Canada, National Defence Women and Diversity Health: Mini-guide to contraception: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/women-diversity-health/health-guide/mini-guide-contraception.html
- Province and territory sources: see each cell in the free sexual health care table.
Facts checked Oct 26, 2026. General information, not medical advice; this page does not give dosing or treatment advice. Talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your situation.