Saskatchewan Party Will Improve Access to Health Services for Women
October 07, 2024Self-Screening for Cervical Cancer, Helping with the Cost of Fertility Treatment
A re-elected Saskatchewan Party government will introduce cervix self-screening and assist with the cost of fertility treatment.
“The Saskatchewan Party will improve access to health services for Saskatchewan women through these important new initiatives,” said Premier Scott Moe. “A strong and growing economy means our government can provide better services for everyone, and these are two ways we can improve health care for women in Saskatchewan.”
Cervix self-screening will provide Saskatchewan women with an alternative to the Pap test. Saskatchewan women between the ages of 25 and 69 currently receive a letter every three years from the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, reminding them to book an appointment for a Pap test.
Saskatchewan women will be given the option to receive a self-sampling kit in the mail to screen for human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. Saskatchewan will become the second province, after BC, to offer self-screening as an alternative to the Pap test.
“Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of beating cancer,” said Saskatchewan Party candidate and cancer survivor Laura Ross. “That’s why the Saskatchewan Party wants to make it easier for women to screen for potential cervical cancer.”
"I'm so proud to be part of a political party that not just supports women's health, but is raising the bar for women's health in Canada,” said Saskatchewan Party candidate and cancer survivor Sarah Wright.
A re-elected Saskatchewan Party government will also make it more affordable to access fertility treatments by providing a 50 per cent refundable tax credit for the cost of a first fertility treatment. The credit would help cover the costs for fertility treatments and related prescription drug costs to a maximum of $20,000, which would mean a $10,000 benefit.
“Improving access to women’s health services - it’s part of our plan to ensure the best possible quality of life for everyone in Saskatchewan,” Moe said.