July 11, 2008

Ontario appoints expert panel on infertility and adoption

McGuinty government helping prospective parents

News

Ontario has appointed an expert panel on fertility treatment and adoption to help find solutions for people who are trying to start or expand a family. 

The panel will recommend ways to help make both fertility treatment and adoption more accessible and affordable.

The 12-member panel will provide advice to the government on:

• Improving access to infertility treatment and making fertility monitoring available to women so they know if they are likely to have problems conceiving a child.
• Improving Ontario’s adoption system so that more children can become part of families more quickly.

Panel members include adoptive parents, people who have had personal experience with infertility, and representatives from the medical and adoption communities.  The panel is expected to report back to the Minister of Children and Youth Services with its recommendations within a year.

Quotes

“As a parent and a grandparent, I know that having a family is one of life’s greatest gifts,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews. “Our goal is to provide supports for people in this province who want to become parents.”

“I look forward to working with my panel colleagues on this truly inspiring initiative,” said panel chair, David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo.  “I believe that together, we can make a difference in the lives of Ontarians wishing to create families.”

“Infertility and adoption can be an emotional challenge for many people,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “This panel will ultimately help prospective parents overcome the obstacles they face during this process.”

Quick Facts

• Infertility affects 1 in 10 Ontarians and approximately 1 in 6 women over the age of 30.
• There were about 850 adoptions completed through Ontario children’s aid societies in 2006.

Learn More

• Get infertility facts and figures.
• Find out about adoption in Ontario.