A new study concludes it’s more cost effective for governments to fund in vitro fertilization treatments than not to.
The study was commissioned by the Calgary Regional Fertility Program’s Generation of Hope fertility assistance fund.
The study estimates funding IVF would cost the province up to $29 million annually, but would save the health system up to $47 million a year.
That’s because of the high health costs of dealing with multiple and premature births.
“The biggest problem with multiple pregnancies is the birth of the babies prematurely,” says Dr. Cal Greene. “This can result in extended stays in neonatal intensive care units, and that’s very expensive.”
Multiple births are more common when couples have to pay for treatment themselves.
They often have multiple embryos implanted to increase the chance of success, and to avoid paying thousands of dollars more for a second or even third treatment.
Right now one treatment in Alberta costs around $11,000.
Christine Nordhagen spent a total of $22 thousand in order to have her three children.
She's thankful it was something they could afford, but she knows not every family can.
“If you're wanting to start a family, I think everyone should have that chance.”
Alberta’s Health Minister, Fred Horne, says he will review the study, but would not offer any commitments for future funding.
Quebec has been funding up to 3 rounds of IFV treatment per couple since 2010.
That’s led to a decrease in the multiple birth rate, although the Quebec government has no numbers on how much money it has saved.
Global Calgary | Report urges government to fund in vitro fertilization
The study was commissioned by the Calgary Regional Fertility Program’s Generation of Hope fertility assistance fund.
The study estimates funding IVF would cost the province up to $29 million annually, but would save the health system up to $47 million a year.
That’s because of the high health costs of dealing with multiple and premature births.
“The biggest problem with multiple pregnancies is the birth of the babies prematurely,” says Dr. Cal Greene. “This can result in extended stays in neonatal intensive care units, and that’s very expensive.”
Multiple births are more common when couples have to pay for treatment themselves.
They often have multiple embryos implanted to increase the chance of success, and to avoid paying thousands of dollars more for a second or even third treatment.
Right now one treatment in Alberta costs around $11,000.
Christine Nordhagen spent a total of $22 thousand in order to have her three children.
She's thankful it was something they could afford, but she knows not every family can.
“If you're wanting to start a family, I think everyone should have that chance.”
Alberta’s Health Minister, Fred Horne, says he will review the study, but would not offer any commitments for future funding.
Quebec has been funding up to 3 rounds of IFV treatment per couple since 2010.
That’s led to a decrease in the multiple birth rate, although the Quebec government has no numbers on how much money it has saved.
Global Calgary | Report urges government to fund in vitro fertilization