Fertility Matters Canada
Fertility Matters Canada (FMC) is a national registered Canadian charity (Business No. 128921459RR0001) dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing fertility challenges. Established in 1983 as the Ottawa-based Infertility Self Support Group (ISSG), it evolved into a nationwide organization providing free support, education, and advocacy for equitable access to fertility care[1][4][5].

Mission and activities

FMC’s mission focuses on empowering Canadians to achieve their reproductive health goals through support networks, public education, and policy advocacy. The organization serves the estimated 1 in 6 Canadians requiring fertility care, addressing issues such as infertility, pregnancy loss, and family-building challenges[1][2]. Key initiatives include:

• Support groups and online communities to address the social and emotional impacts of fertility struggles[2][5].
• Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW), launched in 2007 as Canadian Infertility Awareness Week and renamed in 2023 to reflect broader inclusivity[4][5].
• Advocacy for public funding, emphasizing the financial barriers to treatments like IVF, which can cost up to $20,000 per cycle in Canada[2][5].

Advocacy and partnerships

FMC collaborates with medical professionals, policymakers, and organizations such as Progyny to promote employer-sponsored fertility benefits and federal-provincial funding reforms[4][5]. Their 2024 parliamentary submission highlighted the need for standardized fertility care access nationwide, noting disparities in provincial coverage and the socioemotional toll of infertility[5].

Events

The Fertility Matters 6K, an annual virtual and in-person fundraiser, supports FMC’s programs while raising awareness about fertility care accessibility[2].