The Ontario Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption has released many practical recommendations to government in a report entitled "Raising Expectations." Following the mammoth job of reviewing the issues surrounding infertility treatment and adoption, the panel's report lays out a comprehensive plan to address several pressing social concerns.
According to Beverly Hanck, Executive Director of the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada, "these recommendations will go a long way toward helping couples face infertility issues - their implementation will make both infertility treatment and adoption more accessible and affordable."
Ontario cannot afford NOT to fund infertility treatment: the cost to taxpayers of unregulated treatment and high-risk multiple births is far greater than funded, monitored IVF. Emphasizing the need for education and early intervention as a preventive measure, the report proposes funding up to three treatment cycles and one session of counselling. Also, government must develop an accreditation program for all fertility clinics and IVF centres, with a requisite reduction of multiple births (twins, triplets and higher).
Ontario Cannot Afford NOT to Fix the Adoption System: the cost to society of keeping youth in care is astronomically higher than providing support and services for adoptive families. Ontario needs to develop a centralized adoption agency; the current system of small independent public agencies is ineffective even provincially.
These are exciting times! With a rapid and effective response at the provincial level, "Raising Expectations" will mean better treatment access and better options for Canada's infertile community.
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