March 6, 2026
Manitoba Government Highlights Investments in Women's Health Care Making a Difference Across the Province
– – –More Than 700 Breast Cancer Screening Appointments, 91,000 Women Saving Money on Free Birth Control and Free Menopause Treatment
The Manitoba government’s investments in women’s health care are showing results with more than 700 breast cancer screening appointments booked in the first two months since the Manitoba government lowered the age of eligibility, more than 36,000 women saving money every month on menopause treatment, more than 55,000 women accessing free birth control and more than 200,000 prescriptions filled since the program launched in October 2024, Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
“Women’s health care was ignored under the previous government,” said Kinew. “They closed the mature women’s centre, refused to protect safe access to abortion, cut maternity and post-partum supports and never invested in critical women’s health research. Those days are over. Our government supports women in every stage of their life, and we show that support with real action: free birth control, free hormone replacement therapy (HRT), more lactation consultants and midwives, more funding for women’s health research and safe access to abortion.”
Manitoba is ensuring women can access critical health care at no cost. More than 55,000 women are saving money through the province’s free prescription birth control program and more than 200,000 prescriptions have been filled since the program launched, and more than 36,000 women are saving money each month through free hormone replacement therapy coverage. Manitoba is one of only two provinces to provide free HRT.
The Manitoba government is restoring specialized menopause care, as a new community-based clinic is currently in development, with further details on its location and services expected in the coming weeks, the minister noted.
The Manitoba government has also increased operational funding for abortion services, including at the Women’s Health Clinic, and buffer zone legislation now protects patients and providers from harassment and intimidation.
The Manitoba government has doubled the fertility tax credit and strengthened the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit to help ensure low-income pregnant Manitobans have access to nutrition supports during pregnancy.
The expansion of maternity care in the province also continues. Families in the Interlake–Eastern health region are now receiving midwifery care for the first time and work is underway to restore birthing services in the northern community of Norway House Cree Nation, the minister noted.
- 30 -