Cost a Major Hurdle for Albertans Struggling with Infertility
A survey by Fertility Alberta has shed light on the financial challenges faced by many Albertans in their journey to start a family. The survey, conducted in September 2023, polled close to 650 individuals and revealed that a staggering 74% of respondents had to forgo fertility treatments due to the associated costs. Among this group, 90% expressed that financial assistance from the provincial government would have enabled them to pursue treatment.
“We believe it is crucial for our government to recognize the significance of this issue for Albertans,” stated Dr. Ariana Daniel of the Alberta Reproductive Centre. “We urge the government to take action by providing IVF coverage, offering tax exemptions, or implementing other measures to support patients seeking fertility care and fulfilling their aspirations of having children.”
The Alberta Reproductive Centre, established in Edmonton in 2023, aims to enhance access to fertility care for a wide range of patients, including couples navigating conception challenges, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals seeking fertility preservation before undergoing cancer treatments. Dr. Daniel emphasizes the prevalence of infertility, affecting approximately 17% of the population, and stresses the importance of government support to ensure that individuals have access to the care they require to build their families.
Financial Burden Impacts Fertility Journey
Devonee Gilson, one of the patients at the center, has been trying to conceive with her husband for over seven years and has already incurred expenses exceeding $100,000 on treatments. “We’ve had to save a significant amount of money throughout this journey,” she said. “We’re not willing to go into excessive debt for these treatments.”
Gilson has been documenting her journey with unexplained infertility on her Instagram page, @ivfgotyou, with the intention of connecting with others going through similar experiences. “Trying to conceive has been incredibly challenging for us,” she said. “It’s been emotionally and financially draining.”
Gilson initially felt isolated in her journey, but she found solace and community through social media. “I realized that although there might have been individuals around me who were also struggling with infertility, many of them were silent sufferers,” she said. “It’s easy to feel lost and want to give up, but I remain determined.”
IVF Funding in Canada: A Mixed Picture
British Columbia recently joined Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec in offering funding for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, effective April 2025. The province will provide full coverage for one round of IVF treatment to eligible British Columbians who are experiencing fertility challenges. This program, estimated to cost $34 million annually, will not be income-tested and will cover both the treatment and medication for a single cycle.
In contrast, Albertans currently do not receive any funding for IVF. Global News reached out to the Alberta government regarding potential funding considerations but did not receive a response. Canadian Fertility Awareness Week, taking place from April 21-27, aims to raise awareness about infertility. The Alberta Reproductive Centre is collaborating with Whole Family Health to host several events throughout the week.
