76% of Quebecers would support free contraception: poll

The vast majority of Quebecers (76 per cent) would like to have free access to contraception, according to a Léger poll commissioned by Québec solidaire (QS) and released Monday.

In an interview, QS co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal urged the Legault government to adopt the measure, given its repeated claims that it wants to ease the burden on Quebecers’ wallets.

However, since September, Premier François Legault “has taken action and introduced bills, but has not yet presented any measures to reduce the pressure on the cost of living,” she pointed out.

The Mercier MNA is therefore returning to the fray with this long-standing demand.

She presented a petition with approximately 100,000 signatures to the National Assembly calling for free contraception, before introducing a bill to that effect last May.

Her bill was never called by the government.

Ghazal insists her request is “consensual.” As proof, in the Léger poll, both women and men support it, regardless of their age, region, or level of education.

Furthermore, 53 per cent of respondents said they disagreed with the statement: “Contraception is a personal responsibility and the government should not pay for it.”

“I am delighted and very enthusiastic about the results. There is overwhelming public support for this public health measure,” Ghazal said.

She argues that free contraception would cost the government nothing, as it would save money by preventing unwanted pregnancies.

QS estimates the measure would cost $48 million per year and save no less than $71 million.

According to the party, Quebec is already lagging in this area, with British Columbia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island having already taken the lead.

The Legault government has already indicated that it is open to such a measure and that discussions on funding are to take place with the federal government.

“I urge the premier not to wait (…) for federal funding, because there is a consensus and because it allows us to make progress for women,” Ghazal argued on Monday.

“After that, yes, we must seek federal funding without conditions,” she added.

The Léger survey “on perceptions of free contraception in Quebec” was conducted online from Oct. 3 to 5, 2025, among 1,010 Quebecers.

For reference, a probabilistic sample of 1,010 respondents would have a presumed margin of error of plus or minus 3.08 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

 –This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews.