Grant: Health System Impact Fellowships - PostDoc Western Canada 2-year

The goal of this research project is to identify for whom and where there is inequitable access to contraception across the province of British Columbia (BC). Cost is a major barrier to equitable access to contraception. No-cost contraception has the potential to improve health by allowing people who need contraception to choose the best option for them, regardless of initial costs. Thus, people are more likely to use contraception, to avoid unintended pregnancy and are more likely to switch to more effective long-acting contraception. The BC government recognized this problem and was the first province in Canada to implement free contraception on April 1, 2023. However, some groups may still face difficulties in accessing services. I will use health administrative data from BC, including all reproductive-aged females and contraception care providers. This data is already available. I will use geographic methods and an interrupted time series analysis. This will allow me to measure the impact of BC's free contraception policy on important access and workforce outcomes. I have expertise using these methods and the support of a well-established collaboration between the BC Ministry of Health and UBC. This work will be completed in collaboration with a public advisory committee, clinicians, and health system leaders. Through this project, I will highlight both people and regions where we need to do more to ensure contraception care is delivered equitably to all who seek it. I will also find out where access has improved with free contraception. We will use these insights to create interactive maps and graphics that can inform future health policy that centers equity in access to contraception, and for all reproductive health services across BC.