Eagerly-awaited Funding for IVF Treatment Now a Reality for Ontarians Struggling with Infertility

TORONTO, Oct 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Conceivable Dreams, The OHIP for IVF Coalition, praised today's announcement by the Ontario government that stated it will fulfill its pledge to contribute to the cost of one In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle for patients struggling with infertility by launching its program by the end of 2015.

"I want to thank Minister Hoskins, Premier Wynne, and the Ontario government for taking the time to conduct the necessary research to ensure this much needed funding program was done right," said Danielle Xavier, President, Conceivable Dreams. "With IVF costing as much as $10,000 for a single cycle, most patients have been unable to seek the medical intervention required to improve their chances of conceiving. By committing to help contribute to the cost of this inequitable, and often prohibitive, financial barrier, Ontario has taken a huge step toward bringing these individuals closer to fulfilling their dream of becoming parents."

"Conceivable Dreams members appreciate the unparalleled leadership the Wynne government has shown on this issue and the support we received in our discussions with individual MPPs in Ontario over the year," said Sandra Alsaffawi-David, Director, Conceivable Dreams. "This announcement sends a clear and powerful message that infertility is a legitimate health issue and medical condition. It is our hope that the program remains inclusive and open to patients' feedback and individual experiences, and that similar policies will soon be enacted in other provinces throughout Canada."

Multiple studies have found that public funding of IVF will cut down on the number of high-risk multiple births and make infertility treatments safer for mothers and their children. Additionally, funding IVF will improve health outcomes and reduce costs to the health system.  By linking support to a policy of single embryo transfer in most cases, the number of multiple births will be reduced. This is important because:

• Multiples are 17 times more likely to be born pre-term, to require a Caesarean section and to need expensive care at birth and throughout their lives.
• Neonatal mortality in twins is seven times that of singletons and the risk of cerebral palsy is four-fold.
• On average, low birth weight twins will cost the health care system about $1M over their lifetime.
• Multiple births create significant health risks to mother and baby and are a major burden on the overall health system.

To date, Ontario is the fourth province in Canada (alongside Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick) to provide some form 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 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