MPP Hogarth Calls for Expanded Fertility Support for Ontario Families

The private members’ motion seeks to expand the existing Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), ensuring greater access to fertility options and support for families in need.

NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2024

ETOBICOKE – Today, MPP Christine Hogarth introduced a motion in the Ontario Legislature, calling for increased resources and options for families struggling with infertility. The private members’ motion seeks to expand the existing Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), ensuring greater access to fertility options and support for families in need.

Launched in 2015, the Ontario Fertility Program, provides essential funding for fertility treatments, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or family status. A recent survey by Conceivable Dreams, a grassroots advocacy organization supporting current and future families with fertility challenges, revealed that nearly half of respondents spent over $20,000 on fertility treatments, and more than 50% of families requiring additional support, further complicating their path to parenthood.


“As someone who has faced the emotional and practical strain of fertility challenges, I know firsthand the toll it can take on families. Greater resources and options for fertility support would provide hope for families who dream of having children but face economic barriers,” says Zane Colt, Board Chair of Conceivable Dreams.


Carolynn Dube, Executive Director of Fertility Matters Canada, also voiced her support for the motion, stating, “Fertility Matters Canada is pleased to see MPP Christine Hogarth’s motion urging more support for Ontario families struggling to conceive children. Patient-focused funding and reduced wait times for fertility care would be an important step forward to ensure that more Ontario families can realize their dream of having children.”


Dr. Kim Garbedian, Medical Director of Pollin Fertility, highlighted the need for more comprehensive support: “At Pollin, we believe every family deserves the chance to grow, and we commend the government for recognizing that with the right support from Ontario, we can ensure that Ontarians have access to the best possible care, from the most qualified doctors in the most modern and advanced facilities here in our province. The ability to deliver on the dreams of parenthood exists in our province. We look forward to working with the government to bring fertility supports forward for families.”


MPP Hogarth’s motion aims to address fertility challenges by advocating for enhanced coverage, reducing wait times, and offering broader access to fertility-related services whether its surrogacy, adoption or people being educated about their own bodies. This initiative reflects our Ontario PC government’s commitment to supporting families.


“One in six Ontario couples is affected by infertility, and the emotional, physical, and personal toll is immense. Whether it’s education or access to better resources, people on their fertility journey deserve to have options on their fingertips,” said MPP Hogarth. “We must ensure that every family has access to the resources they need to build their families, without facing overwhelming hardship.”

MEDIA CONTACTS

Saurabh Kapoor
Chief of Staff
Office of Christine Hogarth, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
saurabh.kapoor@pc.ola.org
416-553-2909
195 Norseman St. Unit 21, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 0E9