The City of Langford is pushing the province to provide free pelvic floor physiotherapy for people after childbirth.
Despite pelvic floor dysfunction being a common condition affecting many people after childbirth and “strong medical evidence” supporting pelvic floor physiotherapy as an essential postpartum treatment, it is not covered under the BC Medical Services Plan.
“This disproportionately affects many postpartum individuals who cannot afford treatment, thus exacerbating health inequities,” says a city news release, which notes without treatment, the condition can lead to complications such as chronic pain, prolapse, incontinence and long-term health issues, as well as impacting a person’s quality of life.
Langford is urging the province to recognize pelvic floor physiotherapy as a necessary inclusion of postpartum care, ensuring equitable access for all, regardless of financial status.
Championing the call to action on behalf of the city are Councillors Kimberley Guiry and Lillian Szpak, who say including the service could make “meaningful changes to the lives of postpartum individuals,” while also alleviating long-term impacts on the healthcare system.
“It’s time to create a space to talk about childbirth and the effect it has on birthing bodies,” they say in a news release. “Because of the stigma associated with this conversation, people in B.C. experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction following childbirth are not always able to access the treatment and care that they need and deserve.
“We have the tools available to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. We should be using them, and they should be accessible.”
The city’s resolution will be discussed at the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC) convention, which takes place April 11 to 13. If endorsed, the resolution will advance to the Union of BC Municipalities for broader consideration.
“Langford calls on the delegation of AVICC member municipalities, healthcare professionals and community advocates to support this initiative that prioritizes maternal health,” said the city.
