New Fertility Support Program reduces barriers to fertility services

A new funding program will provide financial assistance to Islanders as they navigate through their fertility journey. 

Effective January 1, 2021, the Fertility Support Program will provide funding to Islanders who are accessing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and associated medications at out-of-province clinics.

“Our government remains committed to reducing barriers to fertility services and supports for Islanders. We are pleased to offer increased funding supports for Island families who are accessing these important services. It is not uncommon for individuals or couples to experience various challenges in starting or growing their family, but fortunately, there are options and medical assistance. This funding will help reduce the financial burden.”

- Health and Wellness Minister James Aylward

The program will provide a minimum of $5,000 and up to $10,000 annually, based on family income, for eligible expenses associated with IUI and/or IVF.  An individual can access maximum annual funding for up to three years. 

“Infertility impacts many Islanders who have dreams of starting their own families and while initial testing can be done on PEI, we are excited that patients who need further treatments such as IVF or IUI will have fewer obstacles preventing them from reaching their family goals." says Dr. Maeghan Keddy, Obstetrician/Gynecologist at The Charlottetown Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic. "Children are our future and, by creating a more financially accessible fertility program across PEI, we are supporting family-building for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”

Ashlee London, co-administrator of the PEI Fertility/Infertility Support Group on Facebook, created the group to connect and offer support to Islanders experiencing fertility issues.

“Today’s announcement is very encouraging as Islanders have been waiting a long time for more equal access to fertility treatments - which are currently only available off-island. It is certainly a very exciting day for the PEI Fertility community,” said London. “Although it’s not exactly what we had in mind, it is a monumental step in the right direction. The commitment and collaboration that we have seen from Minister Aylward’s team over the past few months has been really wonderful. We look forward to continued conversations."

Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
Senior Communications Officer
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
shughes@gov.pe.ca