# 2024-035 Expansion of the Spectrum of Care for Infertility Treatments, In Vitro Fertilization
Expansion of the Spectrum of Care (SoC) for Infertility Treatments, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Case summary
F&R Date: 2025-05-26
The grievor challenged the denial of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) funding for egg harvesting, freezing, and storage, arguing that cryopreservation should be covered for CAF members aged 30 to 43, whether for In vitro Fertilization (IVF) or future use. The grievor argued that women's limited fertility window justifies access to these services, enabling them to prioritize their careers and have families later, an option more accessible to men. She argued that denying these benefits undermines gender equity and Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) goals. The grievor sought a policy change to further expand fertility services to support retention, equality, and career progression for female CAF members.
The CAF Surgeon General, acting as the Initial Authority, denied the grievance, finding the grievor ineligible for cryopreservation. The Subject Matter Expert on the Spectrum of Care (SoC), the Director of Medical Policy, explained that the CAF SoC provides fertility services comparable to that of the Ontario Fertility Program. While one IVF cycle is funded, IVF related medications, and sperm donor fees are not, and cryopreservation is only funded for patients facing infertility due to medical treatments like chemotherapy.
The Committee found that CAF fertility benefits align with provincial health care entitlements, a key principle of the CAF SoC. It also found no conflict with GBA Plus principles and concluded that the policy is fair. Therefore, the Committee found that it was fair to deny the grievor's request for funded cryopreservation and recommended that the Final Authority (FA) denies the grievance.
The Committee observed that it has reviewed multiple grievances over the years seeking expanded fertility benefits. While current CAF fertility benefits align with provincial standards, the CAF are not restricted from offering benefits beyond those of provincial health care plans and have done so in other areas like dental care. Citing studies and fertility services of other allied militaries regarding the effects of fertility benefits on attraction and retention, the Committee opined that the FA may wish to consider further study, as well as conduct a GBA Plus analysis of CAF fertility benefits.