Conceivable Dreams Celebrates Launch of Provincially-funded IVF Program

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Conceivable Dreams, The OHIP for IVF Coalition, today celebrated the launch of the Ontario government's eagerly-awaited In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) funding program. Announced by Health Minister Eric Hoskins last October, the new program will see the provincial government contribute to the cost of one IVF cycle for patients struggling with infertility, a treatment which on average runs about $10,000 per round.

"Conceivable Dreams members thank the Wynne government and their expert panel of advisors for taking the time necessary to put forward a strong funding program for those seeking assisted reproductive services," said Danielle Xavier, President, Conceivable Dreams. "Today marks a significant milestone for thousands of Ontarians who have been unable to seek the medical intervention needed to improve their chances of conceiving due to the high cost of IVF."

Experience from around the world shows that established IVF funding programs provide consistent health and safety standards, positively impact the mental and physical health of those affected by infertility and significantly reduce the rate of higher multiple births, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced costs to the healthcare system.

"By implementing this program, the government has sent a clear and powerful message that infertility is a legitimate health issue deserving of public recognition," said Sandra Alsaffawi-David, Director, Conceivable Dreams. "Conceivable Dreams will continue to work with partner advocacy organizations across Canada to encourage every province and territory to provide equitable access to IVF funding."

To date, Ontario is the fourth province in Canada (alongside Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick) to provide some kind of public support to assist families seeking IVF.

About Conceivable Dreams
Conceivable Dreams is a broad-based organization of patients, family members, health professionals and other supporters dedicated to achieving equitable access to funding for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for men and women facing fertility

SOURCE Conceivable Dreams

Conceivable Dreams contact: Sandra Alsaffawi-David, Director, Email: [email protected], Direct: 416.473.3662; Patient contact - patients from different regions across Ontario are available to speak. If interested, please contact: Paula Schuck, Email: [email protected], Direct: 519.852.4596; Media contact: Sandy Blackwood, Counsel Public Affairs, Email: [email protected], Direct: 416.920.0716 ext. 240