Quebec IVF program important for families, advocates say

Supporters of Quebec's free in-vitro fertilization program marched through Montreal on Saturdayto protestagainst a bill that would end public payment for most couples.

About 500 protesters including men, women andeven babies in strollersbraved the sleet to take part, arguing cutting back on publicly-funded treatment would hurt families in the province.

• New Quebec health bill to restrict IVF treatment
• QuebecIVFprogram bans anyone over42 from eligibility

The proposed legislation would end publicly-fundedIVF treatment for most couplesandwould forbid anywoman over 42 from seeking fertility treatment, even if she was able to pay for it.

The changes are included in Bill 20, a controversial health bill tabled near the end of this fall's legislative sessionat Quebecs National Assembly.

Premier Philippe Couillard said Saturdaythe bill has already been thoroughly studied.

He said with other tax credits available, IVF treatment in Quebec will remain far more accessible than anywhere else in the country.