Marissa Alexander and her husband Ryan have been trying to have a baby since they got married in 2020. After an unsuccessful round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2023, they were faced with the decision of whether or not to pursue another round, knowing that it would cost them thousands of dollars. The couple applied for funding and discovered that a second round of IVF would cost even more than the first, which they estimated to be around $15,000. Despite the financial burden, they were not ready to give up on their dream of starting a family.
The province of New Brunswick offers a one-time reimbursement of 50 percent of IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments up to $5,000, but Marissa and Ryan still had $6,000 in debt from their first treatment. This left them in a difficult position, having to choose between going further into debt to try to have a child or living their lives without pursuing another round of treatment. However, with the announcement of new provincial funding in the 2025-2026 budget, the couple found renewed hope. The province allocated over $1.9 million to fund one round of IVF treatment per household, covering 100 percent of the procedures up to $10,000 beginning on April 1.
Marissa and Ryan were elated by the news of the increased funding, as it meant that they now had a better chance of realizing their dream of starting a family. For them, this funding represented more than just financial support – it symbolized the possibility of having a child, something that had previously seemed out of reach. Carolynn Dubé, the executive director of Fertility Matters Canada, also praised the funding, noting that access to fertility and family-building care is crucial, especially in light of declining birth rates in the province. She emphasized the importance of addressing the barriers to fertility care, particularly the high cost of treatments, which can average around $20,000 for IVF.
The Alexanders had a message of support for other families struggling with infertility, expressing solidarity and encouragement for those facing similar challenges. They understand the emotional and financial toll that infertility can take on individuals and couples, and they want to convey a sense of hope and resilience to others going through similar experiences. Marissa and Ryan’s journey highlights the importance of access to affordable fertility treatments and the impact that government funding can have on individuals and families facing infertility. With the support of the new provincial funding, the Alexanders and many others like them are now able to pursue their dreams of starting a family without the added burden of exorbitant costs.
