Fertility Matters Canada (FMC), a national organization that empowers Canadians to help reach their reproductive health goals, today announced the second annual Fertility Matters 6K (FMC6K 2022). The event is set to kick off virtually on National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on Friday, October 15, 2022.

Infertility and reproductive loss are more common than spoken about, roughly one in six Canadians have experienced fertility issues, and one in four Canadians have experienced a miscarriage or reproductive loss, and these health issues are not as well understood by the general public. However, disparities in access to fertility care are pervasive in Canada, leaving many who are in need of fertility care without access.

“There are still provinces in Canada that do not have fertility clinics or specialists for residents to access. Only six provinces provide public funding to help people with the upfront, out-of-pocket expense of this medical treatment,” says Carolynn Dubé, Executive Director, Fertility Matters Canada. “The high cost of treatment puts accessing fertility care out of reach for many Canadians. That means their dream of building a family may never be realized.

” With so many Canadians affected and seeking fertility care, access is critical. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective and common method of assisted reproductive technology. And yet, while IVF is the most effective, multiple rounds are often needed to achieve a pregnancy. In Canada, the average cost of one round of IVF is approximately $20,000 and surrogacy costs upwards of $80,000. Within the past year, FMC determined that two of the biggest barriers for Canadians who need to access fertility care to build their family are the up-front out-of-pocket cost of treatment and the limited access to fertility centres or specialists in their area. Therefore, to really hone in and make an impact, FMC has decided that all proceeds from the FMC 6K will go towards their national fertility advocacy strategy aimed at achieving equitable access to fertility care across all provinces through efforts to work with local governments on providing equal care services.

To raise awareness and fundraise for equitable access to fertility care across all provinces, FMC is hosting a nationwide virtual two-day fertility awareness event that will kick off on Saturday, October 15, 2022, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The event rallies communities from coast to coast, encouraging Canadians to donate or sign up as an individual or join a team to bike, run, walk, or wheel. On the first night of the two-day event, FMC is encouraging everyone to participate in the International Wave of Light ceremony to stand with thousands of Canadians who recognize and mourn the loss of their babies as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or death within one year of birth, by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. local time for one hour.

 Last year’s FMC 6K event blew out expectations by tripling the donation goal, which provided FMC with the opportunity to expand its grassroots support in several provinces, including Nova Scotia, which announced a new fertility funding program this past winter. There are only six Canadian provinces and territories that provide some financial support to those who need to undergo fertility treatment to achieve their dream of having a baby.

 "Last year, the impact we made was undeniable, and we expect no different this year. The awareness we draw from coming together to run, walk, bike or wheel will provide the awareness and funds needed to continue to make a difference from coast-to-coast," said Emily Getz, fertility and life mindset coach and founder of Day 1 Fertility "The more awareness is drawn to fertility struggles, the more likely we are to see the change in the access to care." To learn more and sign up to walk, run, bike, wheel, or donate, please visit fertilitymatters6k.ca and follow the conversation @fertility_canada and #FertilityMatters6K. - 30 - About Fertility Matters Canada Fertility Matters Canada (FMC) is the national organization that helps all Canadians reach their reproductive health hopes and dreams by providing support, awareness, education, and advocating for equitable access to fertility care.

 We are Canada’s fertility voice. We aim to meet the needs that may go unaddressed in the course of medical treatment, reach out to those who may not be aware of the treatment options available, and raise public awareness of fertility challenges and the difficulty many have in accessing treatment. For media inquiries about the Fertility Matters Canada 6K, please contact:

Carolynn Dubé
info@fertilitymatters.ca
506-853-4401
 Jennifer Dunsmore
 jennifer@pomppr.com
519-820-6242