The possible closure of Options for Sexual Health (Opt) clinics marks a heartbreaking moment for reproductive and sexual health in British Columbia, Canada.
For over 60 years, Opt has been a cornerstone in BC’s healthcare landscape—delivering low-barrier, inclusive, and essential services across dozens of rural, remote, and urban communities. The incredible staff—often working under lower-paying contracts but with unmatched expertise and compassion—have held space for respectful, comprehensive care. I know, because I had the honour of serving as Medical Director for five years and witnessed firsthand the trust and healing that took place in those clinics province wide.
Opt offers more than just paps, breast exams, contraception, STI care, and education—it offers a safe and welcoming home base to over 14,000 patients; its loss of clinics would leave a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health for all people—including for those navigating menopause.
So, what does this mean for menopause care?
Opt has served many for their primary care (paps, breast exams). A loss of clinics would mean further lack of service to women in midlife.
It also marks the loss of a low barrier, MSP covered service.
For many reasons, menopause remains underfunded and often poorly understood. I understand that some clinics have been forced to adopt private models due to a lack of public funding to offer extended time or additional services like nursing or pharmacy involvement. Sadly though, there are many clinics that have popped up that are charging more than appropriate, offering services that are not evidence based, like frequent lab work, or are offering medications that are again, not evidence based.
I urge you to support practices offering all or most of their services publicly as more appear. I urge you to continue to learn more about what is backed by evidence and is not (see the MenoMedico Summer Reading section) and to know that Menopause Care is Health Care.
Since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study led to decades of confusion, both education and clinical care around menopause have faltered, leaving people without clear guidance or accessible treatment.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have found a way to offer publicly funded care and many others are following suit. I have also been able to teach medical students, a critical step in ensuring menopause care is embedded in all care.
I am frequently asked: What else can you do?
Support the Canadian Menopause Society and The Menopause Society. Advocate for organizations like Options for Sexual Health. Use your voice and vote to advocate for access to care. We want to see more care not less! We want more access to care! We want to equitable care for all women despite geography, financial circumstance or other barriers.
Please see more about Options for Sexual Health here.
Please see the work the Canadian Menopause Society has been doing here.