When the new assisted reproduction program came into force in November, which provides for free in vitro fertilization cycles, private fertility clinics had interrupted their services.
Fertologists were dissatisfied with the price list initially proposed by the government. Between the beginning and the end of the conflict, the offer from the Ministry of Health (MSSSS) went from $3,900 to $6,600.
The interruption of services will have lasted three months, but some patients are still suffering the repercussions.
Grace period
During the conflict, some women reached the age limit to benefit from the programme. A grace period had been promised to them by the minister responsible for the file, Lionel Carmant. They had until December 31, 2022 to take advantage of their free cycle of IVF.
However, nearly six months after the start of the conflict, these women still cannot take advantage of free admission.
I don’t feel important now that the big dispute is over. Given our age, we can’t wait any longer. I’m sorry, but I no longer believe the minister
says Stephany Westover.
On November 15, at age 40, she was about to begin her cycle of IVF covered by the new program. In January, in the midst of the conflict, she turned 41, the age limit to benefit from it.
Because of the delays that she considers interminable, she decided to start taking hormones for a IVF May 6.
I asked my clinic to pay at the very last minute in case the program is available
she says.
According to Minister Carmant’s press attaché, the file should be settled next week.
Marie Barrette explains that the feedback must be approved by the Treasury Board Secretariat. We understand the impatience of women, we too can’t wait for this to be resolved
she wrote by email.
Artificial insemination :
Artificial insemination consists in introducing into the uterus, on the day of ovulation, previously prepared spermatozoa, keeping only the most mobile normal spermatozoa.
In vitro fertilization :
In vitro fertilization consists of reproducing in the laboratory what happens naturally in the fallopian tubes.
Artificial inseminations on pause
If the parties have agreed on the tariffs of IVF, this is not the case for artificial insemination. The Ovo, Gynesys and Procréa Gatineau clinics have not resumed these services for this reason.
I am so discouraged. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for that to change
explains a patient who wishes to remain anonymous.
No longer trusting Ovo, she decided to have her file transferred to a clinic that offers the services.
As part of Infertility Awareness Week, we expect to be able to announce some good news for our patients by the end of this week.
replies the Ovo clinic by email.
The director of the Procréa Gatineau clinic, Dr Eric Himaya, wrote on his page Facebook the 17th of March : The MSSS does not give us the financial means to provide care to patients who come under the RAMQ. It’s disappointing and frustrating, but unfortunately it’s the reality. […] Lowering the quality of our services is clearly not an option we want to go forward with.
Since then, radio silence and the services have still not started again.
Inseminations at the Reproduction Center of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) are also interrupted due to a lack of personnel.
The Montreal Fertility Centre, Miacleo, OriginElle, the university hospital Sainte-Justine and Procréa Québec are, at present, the only places that offer all the services of LDCs in Quebec.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca