The Provincial Government is improving access to fertility services in the province, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg preservation, that will eventually eliminate the need to travel outside of the province to access IVF treatment, improving the quality of life and well-being for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians seeking treatment.
Funded through Budget 2025, these improvements are based on recommendations in a report completed by Thinkwell Research Inc., that examined the viability of offering IVF treatment in-province, the financial subsidy to assist with the cost of IVF, and service delivery options.
The review included consultation with key people with direct experience and expertise in fertility services, including previous and current clients of fertility services and people considering using fertility services in the future. The report recommended providing funding upfront so patients do not have to find alternative methods to pay for treatment while awaiting reimbursement.
Based on the review:
- The subsidy for IVF is now one-time funding of up to $20,000. This is an increase from the previous funding of $5,000 per IVF cycle up to a maximum of three cycles.
- The Department of Health and Community Services is beginning consultation with stakeholders to create a plan to establish IVF services within the province, which may include legislative changes, procurement and infrastructure requirements, and human resource implications.
Since 2021, 230 individuals have availed of the IVF subsidy program for an investment of $2.1 million.
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services currently provides many services for the diagnosis and treatment of fertility issues including counselling, fertility investigation, follicular tracking, intrauterine insemination, therapeutic donor insemination, and fertility preservation of sperm.
The full report by Thinkwell Research Inc. is available on the Department of Health and Community Services website.
Quotes
“We recognize that infertility impacts one in six individuals and can significantly impact their quality of life and well-being. Our commitment to expand fertility services in province and to include IVF confirms our commitment to ensure people who require fertility treatment can receive that here in Newfoundland and Labrador. We’re excited about the next steps in establishing a facility in the province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“By expanding fertility services to offer IVF treatment in the province, we can ensure that people affected by infertility can receive the treatment they need here at home. Increasing the IVF subsidy will make it easier for people to get this treatment outside of the province in the interim.”
Honourable John Haggie
Acting Minister of Health and Community Services
“Providing expanded fertility services in Newfoundland and Labrador isn’t just about medical care – it is about providing individuals and couples with hope, choice and opportunity to ensure that, regardless of circumstance, they have the support they need to build the family they dream of.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“NL Health Services welcomes this announcement to expand fertility services, which will benefit current and future patients of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fertility Services program. The program currently provides outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of fertility issues for people across the province, and we thank the dedicated and compassionate health-care professionals and staff who provide support and quality care each day to patients. We look forward to continuing to work with the provincial government on the expansion of fertility services.”
Ron Johnson
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Eastern Urban Zone, NL Health Services
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Learn more
Fertility Subsidy Program
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