The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the challenging situation that faces some residents when it comes to accessing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services. With that in mind, an IVF Subsidy Program has been created for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians requiring these treatments. A subsidy of $5,000 per IVF cycle will be available to all applicants that meet clinical eligibility, up to a maximum of three IVF cycles throughout their lifetime.

The program is aimed at providing assistance to those who need to travel out of province for IVF treatments and aligns with government’s commitment to increase access to fertility treatments. To be eligible for a subsidy the individual must:

• Hold a valid MCP card;
• Be referred for IVF services by the Newfoundland and Labrador Fertility Services (NLFS) clinic to an IVF clinic, of the individuals choice, within Canada;
• Be followed by NLFS for the duration of a pregnancy achieved through IVF; and,
• Not have previously received a provincial subsidy for more than three cycles of IVF services.

The eligible expenses are limited to IVF procedures at a fertility clinic and prescribed medications associated with IVF procedures, verified as not covered by an individual’s private insurance. The program will be administered through the NLFS clinic and clients will be required to provide verification of payment to the private IVF clinic in order to receive the subsidy. Eastern Health is finalizing the administrative details, and a further announcement will be made in the coming weeks. The subsidy is retroactive to September 1, 2021.

The Provincial Government has also committed to an evaluation of the program after one year to ensure it is meeting its intended objectives, as well as help inform any future initiatives.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will hold a media availability today (Wednesday, March 16) to discuss the details of the subsidy. The availability will take place in the scrum area in front of the House of Assembly, Confederation Building, at 1:15 p.m.

Quotes
“We understand the difficulty some families in our province experience along their journey to start a family. The provision of a subsidy program is an important first step in improving access to quality fertility services, while the potential to offer additional fertility services, such as IVF, within the province continues to be explored.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This subsidy program is an encouraging addition to the supports available to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who must travel outside the province to access appropriate fertility services. The Office of Women and Gender Equality will continue to listen to the needs of community partners and advocates to identify how to strengthen fertility services and supports in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca