Ontario Liberals announce partial funding for IVF fertility treatments

Posted: Published on April 10th, 2014

This post was added by Dr P. Richardson

Embryos are placed onto a CryoLeaf ready for instant freezing during the vitrification process on Nov. 8, 2008. PA WIRE/Ben Birchall

The Ontario Liberals announced new funding to help women conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF), a decision that was welcomed by families struggling with infertility.

Health Minister Deb Matthews made the announcement on Thursday morning, saying that while she didnt know the exact cost, Ontario is expected to pay out $50 million annually if the program is fully implemented.

As of next year, the government is proposing to contribute to the costs of one cycle of IVF treatment per patient for all forms of infertility. An advisory panel will determine how much each couple will receive as well as who is eligible.

This is a huge step forward for infertile couples in Ontario, a spokesperson for Conceivable Dreams, which calls itself the OHIP for IVF Coalition, said in a statement.

As a result of this policy, IVF treatments will be more accessible for the one in six Ontarians having challenges starting a family, co-founderJoanne Horibe said.

With IVF costing as much as$10,000for a single cycle, not including travel and time off work, IVF is currently beyond the financial means of most people. That public health funding will cover even part of this burden is tremendous news.

However, families or their health plans will continue to pay the cost of the associated drug treatments and ancillary services, which can cost thousands of dollars. The health minister said the government hasnt decided yet whether it will offset the treatment cycle costs through a tax credit or through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

Matthews also said the government would study single-embryo transfer, to reduce the risk of multiple births.

Supporting the safe use of modern IVF treatment will result in fewer high risk pregnancies while at the same time helping thousands of Ontarians realize their dream of having their own family, Matthews said.

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Ontario Liberals announce partial funding for IVF fertility treatments

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