Split opinions expected over imminent announcement on government funding of IVF

TORONTO — Leaked documents show the provincial government plans to fund IVF for all women, with no cut off due to age or morbid obesity, according to media reports.

That would fly in the face of recommendations made by an expert panel.

Opinion is sharply divided on whether there should be a cut off point on funding for women for whom pregnancy is highly unlikely.

Fertility expert Dr. Tom Hannam said he thinks a cut off point is a good idea.

“With limited resources we have to be mindful that any funding has to be in the context of the greater good,” said Hannam, adding that it is important that the program is sustainable, even if that means limiting it.

“I acknowledge whatever limit you place will be arbitrary. That is painful for many, but the reasons to do it, the reasons the committee even suggested it is, we are trying to be realistic.”

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University of Toronto bioethicist Kerry Bowman said the concept of a cut off point for IVF gets complicated from a rights point of view, as each person is unique.

On the other hand, because it would be government funded, if the chances of success are very low that may need to be factored into the equation.

“It raises the ethical question, is it really fair when it’s public money when someone has such a remote chance of pregnancy and birth. Is it truly fair?” said Bowman. “That’s why it’s so tough ethically.”

Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins refused to comment on whether there would be any limits to eligibility for government funded IVF.

“I will shortly be making an announcement on the commitment the government has made with regards to in-vitro fertilization,” said Hoskins in response to questions about limiting funding.

Meanwhile, Sandra Alsaffawi-David has to make a loan payment every month for an IVF treatment that was unsuccessful.

“It’s a punch in the gut, it really is,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to trying again with funding from the government.

“The next time I do it, I won’t necessarily have to do a monthly plan to pay for the procedure.”

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In 2014, the government promised to fund IVF. They made the same promise again this past spring.

Alsaffawi-David said she is okay with waiting if it means the government is going to get it right.

“This is a really positive thing,” she said. “The government has recognized infertility as a health issue.”