There is so much research being compiled from one end of the country to the other about who should pay the freight on this issue. I have read many different studies all showing the same results. If we can get the government to ante up the funds to engage wannabe parents, the overall costs for birthing and it's related service requirements will be reduced over time.

Infertility is something that just happens, it can be the result of many unfortunate situations. The related stresses that we put on ourselves trying to get pregnant certainly does not help either. Getting married and having a family is what we as humans do naturally. As natural for some as breathing, it would seem. Just ask Michelle Duggar who has conceived almost two full baseball teams, along with substitutions all by herself.

For many couples, a single IVF treatment is all they can afford. Knowing that this may be their only shot at motherhood, they opt for multiple embryo transfers, dramatically increasing the possibility of not only getting pregnant, but in also having multiple births.

Sounds all warm and fuzzy, you got pregnant. So what happens if you are now expecting twins, or triplets, let alone quads or quints? There is an increased chance for having multiple births. And with the additional pregnancies there are substantially increased costs, as well as health risks as well. The fact that you are now expecting a baby may be the least of your worries. It is statistically more likely for the new mom-to- be to have a tougher pregnancy with IVF than with the all natural conception.

That is not to say don't get pregnant, it is meant more as a wake up call for potentially dealing with some unexpected concerns.

When reviewing the data compiled by Generations of Hope, an Alberta based organization whose goal is too make sure we are enlightened to the facts and figures they have tallied about IVF. Like most other organizations whose mandate is to get the government on board to fund IVF treatments, Generations of Hope has some pretty astounding stats.

The proportion of multiple births resulting from IVF funding in Alberta was estimated to be:

Year 1: 14.8% twins, 0.2% triplets
Year 2: 13% twins, 0.2% triplets
Year 3: 12.4% twins, 0.1% triplets
Year 4: 11% twins, 0.1% triplets
Year 5: 9.9% twins, 0.1% triplets

One of the concerns for IVF has always been the increase in multiple births. As you can see the likelihood or frequency decreases if IVF is funded; it just makes sense to fund it. The overall costs will decrease as time goes on. Quebec statistics show the same results as well.

Premature birth rates would also decrease dramatically as time goes on. Estimates for Alberta are almost 600 fewer premature multiple births over the first 5 years, resulting in millions of dollars in savings. According to Generations of Hope, over the first five years, the cumulative savings in hospital delivery and neonatal costs would be about$29 million. These are numbers that should make all levels of government take notice that there are alternatives to the status quo.

Prematurity and low birth weight usually result in longer term health care and developmental complications such as cerebral palsy, behaviour disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, blindness, deafness, and respiratory deficiencies.

As a result of all the data being collected, the net total savings to be realized with the funding of IVF treatments in the province of Alberta is $78 million over the first 5 years. That is after everything is taken into account, expenses in and expenses out. If I am the government, I am opening my eyes come Monday morning to the realities of funding IVF treatments country wide. The numbers certainly add up to net savings each and every year for the government.

I truly believe that their inactivity in regards to funding solutions for IVF is directly linked to a sense of ignorance. That is not meant as a slap in the face, more like a wake up call, that the numbers don't lie. If you make the funds available, the overall costs will come down.

If we band together on this potential hot bed issue we can all make a difference and perhaps get the funding made available. I, for one feel that if you want to have a family, you should.

I have a feeling that the funding issue across Canada is going to become an election issue in the very near future, either fund it or you lose the election.