An Alberta couple who struggled with infertility is calling on the provincial government to provide financial assistance for families seeking reproductive technology. They are fortunate to have been able to afford treatments, but they recognize that not all families have the same opportunity.
Alberta is the only province in Canada that does not offer financial support for people needing reproductive technology, which affects about one in six Canadians. Michelle Chidley, chair of Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association, says this translates to over 250,000 Albertans of reproductive age. Despite 13,000 referrals to fertility clinics, only about 2,000 proceed with treatment each year.
Brendan Clauson and Kristan Marchak, who have been together for 21 years, began trying to have a child five years ago. After being diagnosed with fertility issues, they underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), with five cycles costing around $25,000 each. While Marchak’s employer provided some coverage, the couple had to pay the rest out of pocket.
The couple expressed frustration that Alberta does not offer coverage for IVF or other fertility treatments. “It wasn’t a choice,” Marchak said. “We both have medical conditions related to this, and that’s a hard thing to accept.”
Unlike Alberta, other provinces and the Yukon offer financial assistance for infertility treatments, including IVF, intrauterine insemination, and fertility tax credits. However, Alberta, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories do not.
While Alberta’s public health care covers some diagnostic services and treatments for certain causes of infertility, it does not cover assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, egg or sperm freezing, or surrogacy.
Dr. Ariana Daniel of the Alberta Reproductive Centre explained that the high costs of fertility treatments often exclude many families from accessing care. A 2023 study by Fertility Alberta found that 74% of people didn’t pursue necessary treatments due to cost, with treatments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Nearly half of those who did undergo treatment took out loans, and 96% of those who did not said that provincial financial assistance could have made a difference.
“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to have a family,” said Dr. Daniel. “It’s unacceptable that the cost of treatment can be such a barrier.”
Clauson and Marchak, now expecting a baby in July, hope their story will raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding infertility. They are joining advocates in calling for the province to support families facing these challenges.
Chidley said her organization has been working with the Alberta government for two years to create a provincial program, and while it wasn’t included in this year’s budget, they remain hopeful. “Even a small amount of support would give families hope,” she said.
The Health Minister’s office, while not granting an interview, stated that Alberta is exploring the possibility of implementing a tax credit for those seeking IVF. A review is underway to assess the feasibility and costs of such a program. Meanwhile, fertility services not covered by Alberta Health Care or private insurance may be eligible for medical tax credits on federal income tax returns.
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