Infertility in Canada: almost half of Canadians personally affected
By Nelson Daily Editor
Almost half of Canadians are touched in some way by infertility, a devastating medical condition that impacts at least one in six Canadian couples.
The results released today, show the impact this condition has on all Canadians, with 82 per cent of Canadians surveyed agreeing that infertility would be devastating to a couple.
While infertility can dash couples dreams of creating families, fertility problems can also lead to depression, anxiety, stress, loss of self-esteem, health problems, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, impaired quality of life, and reduced job performance.
Conceivable Dreams, a group people affected by infertility and their friends, families and supporters are committed to raising awareness of infertility.
Joanne Horibe, founding member of Conceivable Dreams, believes the cost of fertility treatments holds couples back from achieving their dreams of creating families.
“While many couples are hopeful to conceive, many families never realize their dreams of parenthood,” said Horibe.
Infertility in Canada
- 78 per cent agree that Canadians across Canada should have equal coverage of fertility treatments.
- 61 per cent agree that all provincial health plans should cover fertility treatments in some way.
- The World Health Organization defines the right to have children as a basic human right and a health issue.
In 2009, the Ontario’s Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption 2009 Report stated that the single greatest barrier to assisted reproduction services is the cost.
Conceivable Dreams encourages provincial governments across Canada to provide support to couples experiencing fertility problems.
May 16 – May 22 is National Infertility Awareness Week.
The survey was completed on-line from Monday, May 2 – Thursday, May 5 using Leger Online Panel – LegerWeb.
