N.L. government expanding fertility services to include IVF clinic

As Premier Andrew Furey prepares to leave politics, his 2021 election promise to set up an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Newfoundland and Labrador is one step closer to becoming a reality. 

The provincial government announced on Tuesday that it is expanding access to fertility services to include IVF and egg preservation. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Fertility Services already offers intrauterine insemination (IUI) in the province, but the division of the province's health authority does not offer egg preservation.

To receive IVF treatment, patients currently have to travel to clinics outside the province — often paying thousands to stay and receive treatment in Ontario or Alberta. 

Newfoundland and Labrador is increasing its IVF subsidy to help offset treatment costs based on the recommendations of Thinkwell Research's review of the province's fertility services. That report was released in January.

Patients can now access one-time funding of up to $20,000. Previously, approved patients could claim up to $5,000 per IVF cycle, up to three cycles.

WATCH | John Haggie says the funding change was a result of family feedback: 

Feedback from families prompts changes to funding for fertility

8 hours ago

Duration 4:11

Newfoundland and Labrador is pushing forward with plans to establish an in-vitro fertilization clinic in the province, and it might be up and running as soon as next winter. Health Minister John Haggie spoke with the CBC’s Carolyn Stokes about the latest changes.

Health Minister John Haggie said Tuesday the previous subsidy was designed to offset travel costs. The new subsidy is flexible.

"If you don't use all of it up front on the first cycle, there is residual there to help with future expenses," he said.

The Department of Health and Community Services says 230 individuals have availed of the IVF subsidy program since 2021. The total was $2.1 million.

In February, Furey renewed his pledge to open an IVF clinic by 2026, but Haggie said he cannot guarantee that timeline.

"I can't say we wouldn't make it for January of next year, but one thing I've learned about giving dates at this early stage is they're often wrong, so I don't want to raise false expectations," Haggie said.

Budget 2025 will fund the expansion of IVF treatment and financial subsidies to assist with the cost of IVF and its service delivery options. 

Counselling, fertility investigation, follicular tracking, IUI, therapeutic donor insemination, and fertility preservation of sperm are currently offered as fertility treatments in the province.

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