Inaugural Fertility Matters 6K

Join us for the inaugural “Fertility Matters 6K”, a national event kicking off October 15th, on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and running through October 17th . Sixteen per cent of Canadians – roughly six million – experience fertility issues and, with them, a collection of knock-on effects, including anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and financial burdens.  The 6K distance was strategically chosen to represent the six million Canadians who are affected by fertility challenges. Proceeds will go towards FMC’s new national fertility advocacy strategy aimed at achieving equitable access to fertility care across all provinces.

This first-of-its kind virtual event will rally communities coast-to-coast to shed light on this important topic. Canadians can participate by signing up as an individual, joining a team or donating, and they are encouraged to share on social media using the hashtag, #FertilityMatters6K. The event is inclusive, with options to bike, run, walk, or wheel, and an opportunity to participate over the course of several days.

The accompanying social campaign, “I AM”, is designed to prompt participants to share via social media why they are supporting the cause. Whether it is “I am running to honour the baby I carried and lost at 12 weeks” or “I am donating to support my daughter and her partner as they continue their journey to parenthood,” this event will bring together everyone affected by fertility challenges in a meaningful way.

To better equip all Canadians to reach their fertility goals, FMC is launching a national advocacy strategy aimed at levelling access to costly services. All proceeds from the event will go towards ramping up this campaign, heightening public pressure on provinces to ensure access is equitable. It will also include identifying and changing barriers to accessing care experienced by the gender and sexually diverse, people with disabilities, black and other communities typically excluded from the current hetero-normative environment that dominates fertility care and coverage.

Currently only half of the Canadian provinces provide funding to assist with some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with fertility care. With the average cost of a single IVF cycle approximately $20,000, trying to build a family for a vast number of Canadians is unattainable.