Abortion pill Mifegymiso will soon be available to everyone in BC for free, according to a release from the provincial government.

An alternative to surgical abortion, Mifegymiso, also known as RU-486, is is a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol.

It can be used to terminate pregnancies at an early stage, up to nine weeks after the start of a woman’s last period.

Universal, free coverage of Mifegymiso will begin on January 15, 2018; the abortion pill currently costs approximately $300, according to the release.

The provincial government notes that since July 11, 2017, PharmaCare was covering Mifegymiso, subject to the rules of a person’s PharmaCare plan.

The decision to make the abortion pill free was taken after the common drug review recommended Mifegymiso in April 2017.

“Removing the cost barrier helps ensure that individuals can access this safe, legal and available option if they choose,” reads the release.

The abortion pill will be available at all participating pharmacies throughout British Columbia and all pharmacies will be able to order Mifegymiso as needed.

However, it could take up to two business days to receive.

Stocks of Mifegymiso will be highest at pharmacies that are rural, remote or have previously dispensed high volumes of the drug.

You will still need to get a prescription for Mifegymiso from a doctor or nurse practitioner by attending an ultrasound appointment.

This is to confirm you do not have an ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus.)

Health-care professionals who are going to prescribe or dispense Mifegymiso are being encouraged to complete an education program, says the release.

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