Infertility is a serious disease that effects the lives of more than 30 per cent of couples in Alberta. In vitro fertilization is a medical process designed to help those afflicted by infertility conceive a child. This medical process is not covered under the Canada Health Act and IVF is only fully funded by the Province of Quebec. Manitoba offers a tax credit, while Ontario only funds a single cycle as there are congenital defects of a female resulting in infertility (IE, Bilateral Oviduct Blockage from Birth).
IVF Treatment is extremely effective and also very costly. The average cost per cycle in Canada is greater than $10,000 with the costs of medication. While some private medical plans will cover portions of the medication, the $7,000 plus for the treatments are largely uncovered. This is a huge financial burden for families who have the drive and determination to conceive a child. Do not be fooled, infertility is just as much a disease as cancer or MS. The only difference is infertility, in and of itself, is not life threatening. While infertility is not directly a life-threatening condition, sequelae such as severe depression are.
I am fortunate enough to have been able to have children without scientific intervention. However, as an embryologist, I know firsthand from patients, friends and family, the toll infertility can take on a couple. The strain and stress of being unable to conceive is great enough without the thought of the financial burden that treatments can take.
With a new premier and a new health minister, today is the day and now is the time that we demand action from our government to show infertility the respect that it deserves. Please take a few moments from your busy lives. Think about what it would be like to be unable to have the children you just put down to bed. Think about the stress and strain infertility and its costs would have on your marriage. While you are thinking about this, put some pen to paper and write to your MLA and MP about how important infertility funding is.
Treatment for a disease is guaranteed to us as Canadians under the Canada Health Act. Infertility is a disease. It is time Albertans make a stand and demand that IVF be listed as a government insured service.
Let’s help those effected by infertility make 2015 the year they no longer need to find money to have children.
Dana Popadynetz, St. Albert
