Ontario moves forward while Quebec takes a step back.
MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Association des couples infertiles du Québec (ACIQ) congratulates Kathleen Wynne's Liberal government for their decision to publicly fund in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. ACIQ would also like to thank Health and Long Term Care Minister Eric Hoskins for his vision and deep understanding of the infertility issues. This decision will not only benefit the health of mothers and their children, but also help create new families which will contribute to the social and economic growth of Ontario and Canada.
"This is an important day for the entire community of infertility patients. Any decision which promotes access to in vitro fertilization treatments and family building regardless of income and social economic status needs to be celebrated," said Céline Braun, ACIQ's president.
The Quebec Association also applauds the efforts of Conceivable Dreams, the patient group in Ontario which has fought a long battle to get to this day.
This announcement stems from the recommendations made by a committee of experts who examined the issue of public coverage. "The panel of experts demonstrated that public coverage of IVF could be financially viable while yielding concrete results such as reducing multiple births and lowering associated neonatal health costs," said Mrs. Braun. "Ontario took the time to do things right, " she added.
Another Canadian study clearly demonstrates that public funding of IVF can generate savings for the healthcare system. A 500-page report from Alberta published last February estimates that funding the treatments would save the province nearly 180 million dollars.
Bill 20, if passed, would shut down Quebec's medically assisted procreation program. According to a report, the program, which has already helped 5000 children see the day, would contribute upwards of 75 million dollars a year to Quebec's economy.
Québec will take a step back if Bill 20 is adopted in its current form. "With the population in Quebec and Canada aging, evidence mounting, more Canadian provinces opting to fund the treatments and 70% of youth supporting the program, the Quebec persists in ignoring couples struggling with infertility ," said Mrs. Braun.
Quebec should learn from Ontario's approach, from Alberta's comprehensive analysis and from the conclusions made by the Commissaire à la santé et au bien-être which all point towards public coverage for IVF. "It is not too late for the Health Minister to make amendments to Bill 20 and follow the Canadian trend. Our association remains open to reaching a lasting solution that is in everyone's best interest," said Mrs. Braun.
About ACIQ
Founded in May of 2005, the Association des couples infertiles du Québec (ACIQ) advocates for fair and equal access to medical care and treatment. The ACIQ also offers support and information to patients and couples that undergo the hardships of infertility.
SOURCE Association des couples infertiles du Québec
Céline Braun (FRENCH), President and spokesperson, 1-514-452-6775; Martine Vallée (ENGLISH), Vice-president and spokesperson, 1-438-395-2665; Association des couples infertiles du Québec, www.aciq.ca, Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/aciq2005, Twitter: https://twitter.com/laciq2005
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