This paper will focus on a policy case about in vitro fertilization (IVF) from Case Studies in Canadian Health Policy and Management. The key challenge in this chapter was to determine if IVF should be funded, and if so, through what avenue (privately or publicly). The key challenges in this chapter were related to equity and efficiency, addressing debates about the determination of medically necessary services and resource allocation. Additionally, the chapter touched on key policy issues including, but not limited to:
- Allocation of resources; equity and efficiency.
- Funding IVF; equity, security, and efficiency. o Potential variation based on demographics, parents’ history of trauma, etc; equity and justice
- Contestation of parenthood
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Equity is important when examining the funding of IVF because it is challenging to determine who should be able to receive funding, and under what circumstances. To ensure equitable allocation of resources, policy makers need to consider the recipients, what is being distributed, and the process of distribution. Recipients of IVF may not only be individuals diagnosed with infertility. Lesbian couples or single mothers may also use IVF, and if it is only funded for those diagnosed as infertile, this may be viewed as discriminatory and inequitable. Only funding IVF for infertility would mean that fertile individuals who wish to access IVF for other reasons will be unable to access these services, even though they also have limitations in their ability to conceive with their partner. Additionally, the value of IVF for individuals needs consideration. Infertile women, lesbian couples, and single mothers may all consider IVF extremely valuable, so it should funded and available to them. Finally, the process of distribution should be examined. Ensuring clear guidelines are established for the distribution of IVF treatment, such as determining how many cycles should be funded and if this varies based on fertility status, as well as allowing individuals to appeal decisions about receiving IVF are important for equity. Ultimately, funding of IVF has many complexities; equity does not exist in isolation in these discussions as decisions surrounding allocation of resources and funding of IVF can also carry over and effect other policy