April 1 Alert: Fertility Patients Astonished at Lack of Fine Print

CALGARY, April 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Former patients of the Calgary Regional Fertility Program today filed a complaint against the fertility clinic. They claim the doctors and staff didn't do enough to prepare them for how drastically their lives would change should they successfully conceive and deliver a child.

"Sure I've heard people say that raising a child is the hardest job they've ever done, but I thought that was, you know, Mom talk," explains Hejdi Feick, former RFP patient and mother of two. "The doctors never explained to me that I was paying more than $10,000 to lose sleep, freedom to come and go as I please, and to reshape my body – not necessarily for the better," she explains. "Not once did they tell me that date nights with my husband would be few and far between should we be successful in having a baby. I have read the fine print and no where does it mention the grey hairs I now have, the crow's feet, or the sagging... well, you get the picture," she complains.

Colin Knox, now father of two girls, claims his man cave, where he and his pals used to watch hockey and UFC is now dominated by princess castles and glitter. "I used to host the best boys' nights. Now, I can't stay awake for the whole game and even if I could, I couldn't have the guys come over to be blinded by all that pink! The girls have completely taken over, even drawing Elsa in permanent marker on the wall," he groans.

While we issue this on April Fools Day – clearly as a joke - we do it to bring attention to the issue of infertility which affects one in six Alberta couples. We recognize there is no humour in this for those currently struggling with this frustrating and heartbreaking medical condition. Their struggles are real and painful.  For many, in addition to their medical struggles, they also struggle financially to pay for the expensive medical treatments they require in hopes of conceiving the family they've dreamed of.

Until public funding to treat infertility is available, Generations of Hope continues to raise funds to assist those in need realize their dream of a family. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Visit Generationsofhope.ca to donate or for more information.

SOURCE Generations of Hope

Terri Abraham, President, Generations of Hope, 403.470.7151; Dr. Joseph O'Keane, Regional Fertility Program, 403.284.5444