At up to $20K per round, IVF is out of reach for a growing number of Alberta couples, fertility doctor says

Lindsay Mundorf always thought she would be a mother.

After trying to conceive for eightyears, Mundorf, 35,and her husband discovered their only option was in-vitro fertilization.

But facedwith a price tag of $13,000 for one round of IVF, the Lacombe couple'slast hope is out of reach.

"We can't afford it. So I don't know what to do," said Mundorf. "It's really disheartening. It's been a very big struggle."

This is an increasingly common story, according to Dr. Joseph O'Keane, with the Calgary-based Regional Fertility Program.

He's watched as fewer of his patients are able to come up with enough money to pay for IVF, which can cost up to $20,000 per roundincluding the cost of medication.

"Every day I see couples really upset because they can't afford treatment. It's really quite heartbreaking," he said.

According to O'Keane, the number of IVF cycles his clinic provides dropped by sevenper cent in 2017.

"Almost certainly that's a result of the economic challenges that couples are facing ," said O'Keane.

Fewer look to charity for help

A Calgary-based charity that raises money to help families pay for part of their IVF treatment is seeing a dramatic change in demand as well.

"It's heart-wrenching," said Hejdi Carlsen Feick, president of Generations of Hope which saw an increase in applications for grants when the recession first hit.

But, surprisingly, applications began to slow soon after and have remained low.

"We are seeing half and even some months less than half," said Carlsen Feick.

And the grants they do award, often go unused.

"Because people can't afford it. If I give you $3,000towards your IVF treatment, you still have many thousands of dollars left to find on your own."

The group which hosts itsannual fundraiser on May 5 is increasing the amount of its grants in an effort to help bridge that gap.

Renewed calls for provincial funding

Generations of Hope and the Regional Fertility Clinic havespent years lobbying the Alberta government to follow Ontario's lead andprovide funding for IVF treatments.

Dr. O'Keane says provincial funding would help many of the patients at his clinic.

"We see couples much more stressed out now than before," he said

"While we currently do not provide coverage for IVF treatments, this is something that our government may consider as the economy recovers. However, at this time, we're focused on ensuring that we're improving the delivery of our publicly insured services while working to reduce wait times," said Alberta Health in a statement.

The agency does currently fund other infertility services, including diagnostic tests, endocrinology and semen analysis.

BothO'Keane and CarlsenFeick hope the Alberta government will consider funding IVF in the years to come.

"We reallydon't believe that your financial situation should dictate whether you get to become a parent or not," said Carlsen Feick.

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