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The Gift of Hope Foundation, which is the
only known Foundation of its kind, will donate at least four
in vitro fertilization cycles to underserved couples each
year.
"The average cost of one cycle of in vitro
fertilization is $10,000 and that doesn't include medicine,
which can add another $4,000 to the total cost," said Dr.
Michael Swanson, a diplomat of the American Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology and a physician at Conceptions.
"This financial burden, which insurance companies in many
states are not required to cover, can add another layer of
stress to an already difficult situation for couples trying to
conceive. The Gift of Hope Foundation was created to provide a
measure of relief to patients trying to have a child, but
unable to come up with the necessary tens of thousands of
dollars."
In addition to the free cycle of in vitro
fertilization donated by Conceptions, each Gift of Hope grant
also includes a donation from pharmaceutical companies Organon
and Serono, makers of the gonadatropic drugs women often use
to stimulate their ovaries.
"Advancements in reproductive medicine are
enabling many couples realize their dreams of having a
family," said Dr. William Keye, past president of the American
Society of Reproductive Medicine. "Too often however, these
dreams are denied to families lacking adequate health
insurance or the financial means. I applaud compassionate and
innovate programs like these that can help more families
access modern reproductive medicine."
Gift of Hope grants will be given to
couples who have been trying to conceive for more than one
year and have no other children.
Recipients must have had a preliminary
medical workup, be covered by health insurance, be unable to
afford assisted reproductive therapies and be in a position to
provide an optimal environment for a child. A committee of
Conceptions' physicians and other qualified laypeople
including the past president of RESOLVE, an infertility
support group, and a licensed clinical social worker will make
the selection on a quarterly basis.
Women interested in pursuing a grant
from the Gift of Hope Foundation can access an application
online at
conceptionsrepro.com or contact Margie Mercer, director of
marketing for Conceptions, directly at 303-738-5321.
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