Whereas people who are postpartum may experience pelvic floor dysfunction, including incontinence, pain, and prolapse, as a direct result of pregnancy and childbirth, which significantly impacts quality of life, mental health, long-term physical well-being and creates inequitable financial burdens; And whereas the Canadian Physiotherapy Association recognizes pelvic floor physiotherapy as an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment option that improves postpartum recovery; however, the lack of both equitable access to pelvic floor physiotherapy and education about the benefits contributes to healthcare costs associated with untreated pelvic floor dysfunction, including corrective surgeries, chronic conditions and the expense of personal hygiene products: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to work with healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, obstetricians, midwives and nurse practitioners to ensure postpartum care involves informing patients about and provides patients equitable access to pelvic floor assessments and physiotherapy services, regardless of income or insurance status; And be it further resolved that the provincial government implement a program to provide free pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments as part of the standard postpartum care under the BC Medical Services Plan MSP.
