Province increases funding for fertility treatments for NB families

New Brunswick families that struggle to have children will be reimbursed for some costly fertility treatments.

The provincial government is investing $1.9 million to cover the cost of one round of in vitro fertilization and other forms of insemination for patients in need.

Premier Susan Holt made the announcement Wednesday at the province's only fertility clinic in Moncton. She said the support is overdue.

"There are barriers that exist to making these kinds of dreams come true," she said.  "At the end of the day, it shouldn't matter how much money you have if you want to have a family."

The funding is in addition to an existing provincial grant program which provides a maximum of $5,000 to patients for treatment. 

"In this day and age, $5,000 does not cover the cost of these treatments," Holt said, adding that fertility treatments in this province cost an average of $20,000 per round.

The provincial funding also comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney made a campaign promise earlier this month that the Liberals would introduce a new IVF program that funds up to $20,000 per round of treatment.

Carney also said he would work with provinces and territories to ensure all Canadians can access the new program, which Holt said came as a pleasant surprise.

"I think with those two commitments on the table, I think New Brunswickers' needs will be well served."

When asked whether the program could expand if the promised funding runs out, Holt said her team estimates that the $1.9 million will be enough to cover all patients who currently need treatment in New Brunswick.

She also said they would re-evaluate "to make sure no one is prevented from accessing fertility health care because of their financial situation."

At the announcement, Holt held back tears as she shared her own struggle with fertility. She said she and her husband had to weigh the cost of treatment with their desire to start a family.

"It was a really tough time for my husband and I," the mother of three said. "We had to look at whether we could afford it — whether we could afford to have a family."