# 2021-084 Medical and Dental Care, Spectrum of Care

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-06-02

The grievor suffered from male factor infertility. He and his civilian spouse underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). He was reimbursed by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for ICSI costs, but not for IVF costs. He contended that he should be entitled to reimbursement by the CAF for IVF, as part of his overall infertility treatment. The Initial Authority denied the grievance based on the CAF Spectrum of Care (SoC), which does not permit reimbursement of IVF to male CAF members, nor for civilian spouses.

The Committee pointed out that the SoC clearly states that only female CAF members are eligible for IVF coverage. The Committee also noted that the CAF has no obligation to provide medical treatment to civilians. The Committee found that the grievor is not entitled to reimbursement of IVF costs, nor is his civilian spouse.

FA decision summary

The Chief of the Defence Staff agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation not to afford the grievor redress.