Government-funded fertility treatments

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.
Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

50 clinics across the province will now be offering government-funded fertility treatments.

Starting December 21st, Ontario is making fertility treatments more accessible by contributing to the cost of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle per eligible patient per lifetime. This funding will help support over 5,000 Ontarians per year who are trying to start or expand a family.

It is estimated that one in six Ontario couples is affected by infertility at some point in their lives.

“Infertility is a serious issue that affects thousands of Ontarians who have dreams of starting their own families. Children are our future and, by creating a more equitable and accessible fertility program, the government is supporting family-building for those who couldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to have children”, said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

The province is also working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to ensure that patients receive the highest quality fertility services, if services are received in a hospital or in a non-hospital fertility clinic.

Who is Eligible

Patients with medical issues causing infertility as well as patients with non-medical forms of infertility, such as single people or same-sex couples, are eligible under the new Fertility Program.

Women under the age of 43, after speaking to their health care provider to determine if IVF is the most appropriate family-building option for them, will be eligible for IVF funding.

What is Covered

Ontario will fund one cycle of IVF and unlimited rounds of artificial insemination for eligible people at fertility clinics across the province.

One cycle of IVF includes one egg retrieval, which may yield multiple eggs and result in multiple embryos. The program will also cover the cost of the one-at-a-time transfer of all viable embryos to allow for the possibility of multiple chances for pregnancy and to reduce the occurrence of higher-risk multiple births.

Patients or their private health plans will be required to pay for some supporting services such as fertility-related drugs and storage of embryos.

 

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