MONTREAL - Quebec has moved closer to offering free in vitro fertilization for couples who are unable to conceive.
Health Minister Yves Bolduc said Thursday the extent of the coverage proposed by the province would be unmatched in North America. "The steps taken by our government place Quebec at the forefront," Bolduc told a news conference in Montreal.
"Even internationally, few societies are as advanced as ours is regarding the coverage of these services in the public sector."
In vitro fertilization helps couples who cannot conceive without medical assistance.
The province would cover three in vitro treatments as well as any related medical costs.
"With three cycles, people will be very satisfied," he told reporters.
Bolduc estimates the initiative will cost Quebec taxpayers $32 million for the first year and expects the price tag to eventually hit $80 million annually.
The provincial government could begin funding treatments, which can cost as much as $10,000 per cycle, as early as this spring.
Last month, close to 60 would-be parents rallied outside the Ontario legislature, calling on their province to fund in vitro fertilization treatments.