Pathways To Parenthood 2025

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Pathways to Parenthood PHOTO CREDIT: CASSI B FILMS (@CASSIBFILMS)

Finding Strength in the Journey: Mayci Neeley on Fertility, Motherhood, and Resilience Mayci Neeley, through her memoir Told You So and wellness brand BabyMama, empowers women with honesty, healing, and self-care.

You’ve built a powerful platform and community, how has sharing your story helped others, and what does that connection mean to you today?

Sharing my story has helped so many people and that's honestly why I did it. The whole reason why I even have a social media career is because I decided to share my story and I didn't want any other woman to feel the way I did when I was going through everything. At the end of the day, that means the most to me and that is still my purpose now. That’s what writing this book was for and that's why it's always been a goal of mine because I want to show up for other women like me and who felt alone, or no one could relate to them. I'm super excited that I can tell my story and my memoir “Told You So.”

Preorder Mayci's memoir Told You So by scanning the QR code.

Read the entire interview with Mayci online at healthinsight.ca.

Tackling Canadian Fertility with Leading Research and United Approach

CANADA CRYOBANK FAMILY PLANNING SUPPORT

Leading national organization highlights trends in Canadian fertility, helping bridge the gap between knowledge and patient care.

At-home Insemination. Discover Canada Cryobank’s commitment to family planning with Health Canada compliant Donor Sperm options.

At-Home-Insemination with Donor Sperm

Sonya Friesen

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nfertility affects one in six Canadians and fertility rates in Canada have reached their lowest on record.

While data may show Canadians are having fewer children, addressing this challenge has become a critical step in Canada’s fertility journey.

The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) is the leading national organization dedicated to furthering the field of reproductive medicine and is composed of all types of reproductive healthcare professionals from nurses and clinicians to researchers and counselors. The organization is responsible for disseminating up-to-date information to members and through this process, ensuring patients are kept informed of critical advancements in fertility.

With the negative economic and social impacts of a falling birthrate now known, CFAS spearheads research and practices that create a better, more holistic understanding of fertility care and patient needs. This includes playing a vital role in creating the professional standards and guidelines for practitioners and advising the government on best practices in the field and increased funding for family-building for all Canadians.

Dr. Prati Sharma Incoming President, CFAS

Driving a United Approach

To learn more about how Canadian practitioners are advancing fertility care in Canada, visit cfas.ca.

This article was sponsored by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.

Dr. Prati Sharma, incoming President of CFAS, explains that inclusive national funding that aims to reach all Canadians would represent the strongest message of support. “A nationally-coordinated system of support would address declining birthrates, ensure a younger population for the workforce, support national well-being and show Canadians we stand with them in terms of family building.”

Funding innovative research through grants, like its newly launched Community Grant initiative, is another way the CFAS hopes to drive positive change in the reproductive space. “We recognize that funding other non-profits engaged in supporting patients is a key driver in identifying viable solutions”, shares Dr. Sharma.

While infertility itself may feel like a personal journey, through the commitment of CFAS and its members, Canadians can experience the most promising and cutting-edge advancements the field has to offer.

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or many Canadians, the decision to have a child will be one of the most important decisions in their lifetime. For individuals with fertility concerns, or those who need help to conceive, that decision can become even more complicated. Canada Cryobank offers guidance and support to future parents-to-be by redefining possibilities for parenthood.

As a Health Canada Inspected Donor Sperm and Donor Egg bank, Canada Cryobank works with leading international donor gamete banks to increase diversity in donor options for Canadians.

Canada Cryobank is committed to expanding its donor selection by sourcing from ethnically diverse sperm banks from around the world. This ensures that every individual has the chance to conceive.

Convenient and affordable — At-home insemination with donor sperm Canada Cryobank stands out in its efforts to make family planning more accessible, and is unique in having garnered Health Canada approval for at-home-insemination for Canadians.

For donor sperm, individuals have the option to ship their donor samples to a fertility clinic

or directly to their home for at-home-insemination.

With at-home insemination, semen or sperm is deposited into the vagina without sexual intercourse and can be accomplished with or without the assistance of a medical professional. The Health Canada compliant frozen donor sperm (tested according to Health Canada Safety Regulations for infectious and inherited genetic diseases) ships directly to your home in a specialized tank for in-home use. This process can be a meaningful and cost-saving option for those using donor sperm and seeking privacy and comfort in their own homes.

For individuals in good health with no underlying fertility concerns, there is evidence that at-home insemination can be as successful as undergoing intracervical insemination (ICI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a clinic under medical supervision. Note that for at-home insemination, Canada Cryobank recommends discussing your donor options and overall pregnancy fitness with your physician.

No matter what option you decide to use for your family planning, Canada Cryobank's knowledgeable and experienced staff is available to assist you. Discover how Canada Cryobank can help you create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Visit canadacryobank.com to learn more and get started.

This article is sponsored by Canada Cryobank.

Building a Family Using Third-Party Reproduction with Trusted Legal Guidance Considering surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo donation? Get guidance from Fertility Law Canada.

Cynthia Hargrove

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Sara R. Cohen, LL.B. Founder, Fertility Law Canada

eginning the journey to parenthood through third-party reproduction can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Many intended parents rely on Sara from the very beginning to guide them through the process with clarity and care.

For 15 years, Sara R. Cohen, LL.B., founder of Fertility Law Canada, has been working with compassion and expertise to help over 3,500 people build families through surrogacy,

egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation.

As an internationally recognized fertility lawyer and past president of Fertility Matters Canada, she is a passionate advocate for all intended parents, including those in the LGBTQ community.

Surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation are not only legal in Canada, but they are also realistic and possible.

Working closely with intimate knowledge of clinics and

Surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation are not only legal in Canada, but they are also realistic and possible.

agencies across Canada, Sara helps intended parents feel supported throughout their journey and make informed decisions. Clients describe her approach as caring and personal, like being treated as family, which reflects the trust, empathy, and dedication she brings to every case.

If you are beginning your journey as an intended parent, let Sara be your first call. With experience, advocacy, and compassion, she makes what once felt daunting feel possible.

To learn more, please email Sara: sara@fertilitylaw canada.com.

This article was sponsored by Fertility Law Canada.

Publishers: Emily Green, Maya Mezerhane Business Development Manager: Michaela Gallagher Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Designer: Christina Morgan All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited.

This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH:

Menopause Awareness Menopause, Careers, and the Case for Better Support Menopause affects millions of Canadian women, and the workplace is no exception.

Addressing its impact is critical to health equity and business success.

Jaime Di Donato, Manager, Health Benefit Solutions, Medavie Blue Cross

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ne in ten Canadian women leaves the workforce annually due to menopause symptoms, a loss estimated to cost the economy $3.5 billion each year. Yet, until recently, menopause was rarely discussed openly in workplaces or public health forums.

topics in many workplaces. Over half of women say they’re uncomfortable discussing menopause with their employer, and only 24% report having access to a health and wellness program through their benefits plan. These gaps in support are not just health issues – they’re equity issues.

Why employers should care Understanding menopause and Its impacts Menopause is a natural life stage, often misunderstood or overlooked. As early as your thirties, perimenopausal symptoms can begin to affect your energy, focus, and daily routines. The good news is that this transition is receiving more focus, resulting in new and emerging resources to help.

While hot flashes and night sweats are well known, research identifies more than 40 potential symptoms, including brain fog, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep disorders. For some, these challenges are temporary; for others, they are chronic and long-lasting. Without effective support, workplaces risk losing valuable employees during the peak of their careers.

The overlooked workplace challenge At Medavie Blue Cross, we believe that investing in women’s health is not only the right thing to do, but also a strategic imperative for building healthier, more productive workplaces.

Our recent study on women’s health revealed a stark reality: three in four women say menopause affects their daily lives and ability to function. And more than half report that these experiences have significantly impacted their mental health.

Despite this, menopause and other gender-related health issues remain taboo

The personal toll of menopause symptoms translates into significant economic consequences. Lost productivity, reduced hours, and resignations contribute to billions in avoidable costs. Beyond economics, employers who fail to provide support risk losing experienced talent during critical career stages.

On the other hand, organizations that take menopause seriously often see benefits beyond retention. Studies consistently show that gender-inclusive workplaces outperform their peers financially, with one report from McKinsey & Company suggesting Canada could add $150 billion to GDP by advancing gender equity.

Solutions for employers Employers have an opportunity to help bridge the gap. Steps include: • Normalizing conversations: Hosting town halls, expert speakers, and internal communications.

• Enhancing benefits coverage: Access to health coaching, virtual care, and coverage for therapy and medications.

• Adapting workplace environments: Flexible schedules, quiet spaces, temperature control, hydration stations.

• Connecting to trusted resources: National organizations such as the Menopause Foundation of Canada provide tools for employees and training for health professionals.

At Medavie Blue Cross, our mission is to improve the wellbeing of Canadians. Central to that mission is ensuring access to care that reflects the diverse health needs of people across all gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Our Women’s Health Solutions are designed to meet women where they are, offering personalized, accessible care across every stage of life.

Our partnership with sanoLiving provides sanoMidLife to our members--a platform that supports women throughout their menopause journey. Our Connected Care platform provides digital access to health coaching and clinician support and other live therapy options, while our 360 TotalCare program supports chronic disease management with a focus on heart health and lifestyle coaching.

Toward a healthier, more inclusive future

Scan the QR code to learn

how your organization can The conversation about better support employees menopause is finally through menopause. moving into the open.

Governments, health organizations, and forward-thinking employers are beginning to recognize it as a public health and workplace priority. By supporting women during this life stage, organThis article was sponsored by izations not only foster healthier, Medavie. more inclusive environments— they also safeguard productivity, talent retention, and long-term growth.

EMP OWERING HEALTH AT EVERY STAGE :

The Floravi Approach to Intimacy Proudly Canadian and woman-owned, Floravi offers innovative, expert-informed solutions to support intimacy and overall well-being through life’s transitions.

Édith Arsenault Founder, Floravi

Emily Hellam

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ntimate health is an often-overlooked aspect of general well-being—but it doesn’t have to be. Founded by Édith Arsenault, Floravi was created to address unmet needs in intimate health—an often-overlooked yet essential part of overall wellness. In collaboration with sexual health professionals, Arsenault developed evidence-based products that fill critical gaps in care. The result is a trusted approach to sexual wellness rooted in science, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Menopause is one stage where this mission is especially vital. Symptoms such as vaginal dry-

ness, discomfort, and low libido are common but too often ignored due to stigma. Floravi’s compassionate, effective, and science-backed products and resources empower individuals to feel supported, vibrant, and confident throughout this transformative stage.

Because sexual health – much like physical and mental well-being – is essential. Floravi helps ensure intimate care is accessible, celebrated, and fully integrated into lifelong health.

To learn more, visit Floravi’s website—or find products in-store at Rexall and online at Shoppers Drug Mart.

This article was sponsored by Floravi.

Say goodbye to these symptoms in just 28 days.

Hot flashes

Mood swings

Vaginal dryness

Fatigue

Night sweats

Learn more at menochill.ca