Refundable tax credit to help families with fertility treatments and surrogacy

The maximum annual claim is $20,000 in eligible costs for a maximum annual tax credit of $8,000

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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The province has introduced a new tax measure to help with the high cost of fertility treatments and surrogacy.

The refundable tax credit — included in this week’s budget and introduced in legislation Wednesday — will be equal to 40 per cent of the cost of fertility treatments or surrogacy-related medical expenses. The maximum annual claim is $20,000 in eligible costs, which would mean a maximum annual tax credit of $8,000

Treatments need to be provided by a Nova Scotia-licensed medical practitioner or infertility treatment clinic. If a service is not offered in our province, a licensed practitioner here can refer a patient elsewhere.

The Progressive Conservative government says our province is the first in Canada to provide this type of support of surrogacy.

“We recognize the struggle that hopeful parents face starting a family. Not only are infertility challenges extraordinarily stressful, but the cost of fertility treatments and surrogacy-related medical expenses are significant barriers,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness in a news release.

“We’re so happy to help Nova Scotians realize their dreams of becoming parents by reducing the financial burden of fertility treatments and surrogacy-related medical expenses.”

The executive director of Fertility Matters Canada added this will help thousands of Nova Scotians — including those from the 2SLGBTIQ+ community who have had no option but to pay the full cost — make their dream of starting a family a reality.

“For those struggling with fertility, and for those who need to access fertility services in order to have a baby, there is a significant negative impact on their mental health, their productivity at work and at home, and also their relationships,” Carolynn Dube said.

“The average cost of a single round of IVF in Canada is $20,000 and surrogacy costs are significantly higher, making it an unattainable medical procedure for many to access.”

 Fertility Matters Canada estimates one in six Nova Scotians will face fertility challenges or will need to access fertility care.