Infertility treatments at the Alberta Reproductive Centre in west Edmonton can cost couples thousands of dollars, leaving many struggling to afford the necessary care. One woman, Linda Hoang, who spent ten years trying to have a baby, is now advocating for a provincial support program to help people start their families.
“I don’t think anyone should have to go through that,” said Hoang, reflecting on her decade-long journey with infertility.
Hoang’s path to motherhood was filled with frustration and emotional distress. It took her and her husband ten years, numerous doctor visits, failed tests, and fertility procedures. The toll on their mental health was immense.
“Talking about it and hearing that others are still struggling is difficult because it was so hard for us,” she shared.
The financial burden of infertility treatments added to the stress. Hoang questioned why couples facing infertility should also have to endure financial hardship. “Money should not have to be part of it. Why are we the only ones who also have to add financial stress on top of everything else?”
Infertility affects one in six couples, according to Infertility Canada. Dr. Ariana Daniel, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Alberta Reproductive Centre, believes that access to fertility care should not depend on a person’s financial situation.
“In other provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, IVF treatments are publicly funded. Saskatchewan and Manitoba offer tax credits for related expenses,” said Dr. Daniel. “In Alberta, however, IVF treatments can cost up to $25,000.”
While Alberta Health acknowledged the emotional hardships faced by many Albertans, a spokesperson confirmed that in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is not covered under the province’s publicly funded health care system.
Dr. Daniel emphasized that this lack of coverage forces individuals to decide where to spend their money, with some choosing to seek treatments outside Alberta.
However, not everyone has the financial means to do so. A survey by Fertility Alberta found that 74 percent of nearly 650 respondents did not pursue fertility treatments due to cost.
For Hoang, the decision to seek treatment outside the province was made easier by the similar costs of IVF in other locations. “We chose to go to Barbados for our first IVF treatments. The cost was comparable to what it would have been in Edmonton, but at least we got beaches, sand, and ocean,” she said.
After years of unsuccessful IVF and unexplained infertility, Hoang now has a two-year-old son, conceived naturally. With National Infertility Awareness Week approaching, she hopes her story will inspire greater support and understanding for others facing similar struggles.
“The more support and understanding they get from their friends, family, and the government, the better,” Hoang said. “We held onto hope for almost a decade, and in the end, we got our miracle baby.”
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