Following ‘very real’ prospect of closure, B.C. sexual health clinics to continue operating

A clinic run by Options for Sexual Health. (CTV News)

Dozens of B.C. sexual health clinics that faced possible closure due to funding constraints will remain open for at least another year, the non-profit operator announced Thursday.

In an open letter, Options for Sexual Health said the Ministry of Health has “committed in principle” to maintaining its clinics throughout the coming year.

Discussions around long-term funding remain underway, according to the organization.

“We are optimistic that these steps will result in sustainable sexual and reproductive health care in B.C. and will allow Options to continue to provide the high standard of health care you have come to expect from us,” the letter reads.

The non-profit currently operates 52 clinics across the province, including in rural communities, serving around 14,000 patients annually.

The clinics provide birth control, cervical cancer screening, STI testing, pregnancy testing, counselling and other services. While Options for Sexual Health does not provide abortion services, staff can direct patients to doctors who do, and otherwise help them navigate the health-care system.

It’s unclear how much funding the B.C. government could ultimately provide to the non-profit. The organization previously said it would require $1.5 million to keep all of its clinics open, describing the prospect of having to close as “very real,” barring additional provincial support.