Conceivable Dreams Recognizes IVF Program's Rollout in Ontario as it Helps to Grow Ontario Families

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - In advance of Family Day, Conceivable Dreams, the OHIP for IVF Coalition, today recognized the thousands of Ontario patients who have already, or will soon, be starting or expanding their families through the province's In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) funding program. Launched last December, the program has already seen a large number of patients struggling with infertility register to receive one round of government-funded IVF treatment across Ontario's 52 participating fertility clinics.

"Since the launch of this much-needed funding program, thousands of Ontarians who were previously unable to seek the assistive reproductive services they needed to improve their chances of conceiving have been brought one step closer to fulfilling their dream of starting or growing their families," said Danielle Xavier, President, Conceivable Dreams. "Family Day is often an emotional time for those who are trying to conceive. Now, thanks to the Ontario government, the day also serves to remind those who are struggling silently that access to treatment is a greater reality."

Prior to the Ontario government's decision to contribute to the province-wide program, many patients faced financial barriers when it came to considering treatment which can cost as much as $10,000 per cycle. 

"The program gave my husband and I newfound hope that we would soon be able to expand our family," said Conceivable Dreams Patient Member, Taunya Johnston who completed a funded IVF treatment cycle in January. "We faced a number of hurdles to getting pregnant, including a primary medical condition that contributed to our infertility journey. To be selected by our local clinic in the program's inaugural year was an unexpected gift and we're filled with gratitude."

Since Ontario launched its program in December 2015, fertility groups in Alberta and British Columbia have begun calling for the implementation of comparable publically-funded models in their provinces to assist families seeking IVF. Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick are currently the only provinces to provide some form of public support to assist families seeking IVF in Canada.

"Conceivable Dreams applauds those seeking national expansion of similar programs and will work with partner advocacy groups to encourage every province and territory to provide equitable access to IVF funding," added Xavier. "In Ontario, we will continue to advocate on behalf of patients to ensure the program remains inclusive and open to patients' feedback and individual experiences."

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 challenges.

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