Canadian Fertility Awareness Week
Posted by Dr. Alda Ngo
Join us this year, as we collaborate with Alberta Fertility Centre as well as Registered Psychologists, Caroline Andersen and Dr. Adrienne Witol to offer meaningful events to educate, empower and advocate for fertility supports.
We are joining Fertility Matters Canada in this year’s Canadian Fertility Awareness Theme: “One Voice,” which speaks to ‘the collective strength and unity of individuals and communities coming together to advocate for fertility awareness and support, emphasizing the power of standing united as one voice, raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting education surrounding fertility issues and reproductive health.’
NEW STUDY FINDS FINANCIAL COST A MAJOR BARRIER TO CONCEIVE FOR MOST EDMONTONIANS WITH INFERTILITY
New data from Fertility Alberta reveals that most Edmontonians dealing with (in)fertility do NOT proceed with treatment due to financial cost, and of those who do proceed, nearly half take out loans for just a chance to have a baby.
The survey of 640 Albertans conducted in Sept 2023 found that most Albertans who need medical assistance to have a family are struggling to access the help they need. Survey highlights include:
- 74% of people who did not proceed with needed fertility treatments identified cost as the reason
- 96% of these respondents said financial assistance from the Alberta government would have enabled them to proceed with treatment.
- 60% of those who did undergo treatment spent $10,000 to $50,000
- Nearly 50% of patients that underwent treatments required a loan to cover the cost
Currently, only seven provinces in Canada provide funding related to fertility and family-building care to residents, and the programs and access to services vary widely across the country, including fully funded IVF treatment, tax credits or reimbursement programs. Albertans do not receive any IVF funding.
We are working to increase accessibility to fertility patients and optimize chances for success, including offering free monthly Online Support Circles; Community Acupuncture; and donating all proceeds from upcoming CFAW events to local non-profits to support advocacy for IVF funding in Alberta.
The CFAW events support Fertility Alberta, a patient-led, fertility advocacy organization, whose recent fertility survey results paint a sobering picture on treatment access in the province.
Canadian Infertility Awareness Week Events:
Wednesday, April 24 | Therapeutic Arts Workshop: Creative Journeys:
- Fertility patients will explore the transformative process of artistic expression, as they reflect on their fertility journeys through expressive arts and mindfulness. Individual art pieces will collectively form a ‘One Voice’ mural. MORE INFO
Thursday, April 25 – 7:30 p.m. | National Light Up the Night at the Muttart
- Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory will be one of the monuments across the country that will light up GREEN, symbolising health, growth, and life in honour of the 1 in 6 Canadians who are impacted by fertility challenges. Join us and those on their fertility journeys at the light-up. MORE INFO
Saturday, April 27 – 4:30 p.m. ‘One Voice’ Mural Exhibit
- Join ARC and WFH as they unveil the mural exhibit from the ‘Creative Journeys’ Therapeutic Arts Workshop at Alberta Reproductive Centre, showcasing individual art pieces and stories, collectively representing and honouring the unified strength of individuals who face fertility challenges. MORE INFO
