Q&A: What the new contraception policy means for patients

Manitobans can now access hormonal contraception directly from trained pharmacists, expanding the range of health-care services available at community pharmacies.

The policy change is expected to improve access to contraception, particularly for people who do not have a primary care provider or face long waits for appointments with a physician or nurse practitioner.

In this interview, Abiola Odutola spoke with Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. president Jennifer Ludwig. She spoke about what the change means for patients in Brandon and Westman, how contraceptive assessments will work, which options pharmacists can prescribe and what patients should know before booking an appointment. Excerpts:

Abiola Odutola — What does this new policy mean for patients in Brandon and Westman, and how does it change what they can now receive directly from a pharmacist?

Jennifer Ludwig — This change will increase access for those patients who wish to use hormonal contraception. Prior to this policy change, patients could only receive a prescription by seeing a physician or nurse practitioner. Unfortunately, many Manitobans still do not have access to a primary care provider. This expansion of a pharmacist’s scope of practice helps fill a genuine need within our community and province for access to health-care services.

AO — Has your pharmacy started offering contraceptive assessments and prescribing under the new policy? If not, when do you expect to begin?

JL — In order for a pharmacist to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, they must undertake specialized training and then be approved by the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM). Many of our pharmacists have begun the training and are working to complete the course work and be approved by the college as soon as possible. Some have completed and are actively providing contraceptive prescribing services to their patients.

AO — What does the assessment process look like for a patient who walks into the pharmacy seeking birth control, how long does it typically take, and what information should they bring?

JL — When a patient comes to the pharmacy for an assessment, they should expect to speak with the pharmacist in a quiet, private counselling area. In order to adequately assess the patient, the pharmacist will ask about medical/health history, current medications, allergies, risk factors and contraceptive preferences. They will also make themselves available to answer any questions the patient may have about hormonal contraception. The length of time of an assessment will depend on many factors, however a patient should expect to be with a pharmacist for at least 20-25 minutes. Given all of this, we recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment. Patients should be prepared with Manitoba Health Card, list of Current Medications (including non-prescription medications and supplements or vitamins), list of allergies or health conditions, name of current health-care provider (if applicable) It is important to note, that not all assessments may result in a prescription for hormonal contraception. There may be times where it is not suitable for a pharmacist to prescribe and they may choose to refer a patient to another health-care provider for further assessment or care.

AO — Which contraceptive options can pharmacists at your pharmacy prescribe, and when would you still refer a patient to a doctor or other health-care provider?

JL — Pharmacists may prescribe the following hormonal contraceptive options: oral contraceptive pills, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, intramuscular contraceptive injections. A pharmacist may choose to refer a patient in the following situations: when the patient requests or treatment indicates an intrauterine device (IUD), when a health condition or concern requires further exploration or consideration before prescribing hormonal contraception.

AO — Do you expect this policy to improve access to contraception in Brandon and rural Westman, particularly for people who may have difficulty getting a timely appointment with a physician or other provider?

JL — With approximately 1,200 pharmacists practising in over 480 community pharmacies, pharmacists have long been considered one of the most accessible health-care professions. This expansion of scope will allow pharmacists to see those patients who may not have access to a primary care physician or nurse practitioner. *Data taken from 2025 CPhM Annual Report.

AO — What should residents do before coming to a pharmacy if they want to use this new service — do they need to call ahead, and how can they find out which local pharmacies have trained pharmacists offering it, given a pharmacist will want to ensure they have adequate time as well as staff in place to ensure a proper assessment?

JL — It is recommended that patients wishing to access hormonal contraception call ahead and schedule a time to visit. As pharmacists are still completing training in this field, please check with your local pharmacy before attending. The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba’s (CPhM) website provides details on pharmacists and pharmacy registration. This may be used in addition to reaching out to your local pharmacy location.

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