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In a significant move for aspiring parents, New Brunswick has announced a new funding initiative aimed at supporting couples struggling with infertility. This decision comes as many families, like Marissa and Ryan Alexander, face the daunting financial burden of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
With the average cost of IVF reaching up to $20,000 per cycle, the financial strain can be overwhelming for many.
Understanding the financial challenges of IVF
Marissa and Ryan, who have been married since 2020, recently shared their journey through infertility.
Despite being young and healthy, their first attempt at IVF in 2023 was unsuccessful, leaving them with a debt of $6,000 from the initial treatment. “We have to choose between living our life, basically, and going into debt to try to have one child,” Marissa expressed, highlighting the difficult choices many couples face.
The emotional and financial toll of infertility can be devastating, making the recent funding announcement a beacon of hope.
New funding details and its implications
The provincial government has earmarked over $1.9 million in the 2025-2026 budget to fund one round of IVF treatment per household.
This initiative expands upon the previous funding model, which offered a one-time reimbursement of up to $5,000. Starting April 1, the new program will cover 100% of IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures up to $10,000. This change is expected to significantly reduce the financial barriers for couples seeking fertility treatments, providing them with a better chance of starting a family.
The broader impact on society and birth rates
Carolynn Dubé, executive director of Fertility Matters Canada, praised the funding initiative, noting its potential impact on the province’s declining birth rates. “The economic health of our province is highly correlated with our fertility rate; we’ve got lots of data backing that up,” Dubé stated.
In regions where fertility care is covered, IVF births can account for 5-10% of total births, compared to just 1-2% in areas without such support. This funding not only aids individual families but also contributes to the overall demographic health of the province.
As one in six Canadians require access to fertility care, the new funding initiative represents a crucial step towards making these services more accessible. The Alexanders, along with many others, are hopeful that this funding will change their lives. “Even just having that kind of opportunity and the chance to possibly make this a reality is just kind of life-changing,” Ryan remarked, capturing the sentiment of countless couples navigating the challenges of infertility.
