AART recognizes that COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic and we are obligated to limit risk of exposure to our patients and staff. Patients who undergo fertility treatments throughout the pandemic must understand there may be risks to doing so. If a patient undergoing treatment tests positive for COVID-19 during their cycle, their treatment will be cancelled and a partial refund will be provided for services not yet performed. We are unable to refund services that were already completed or the costs of medications for those services if a patient or their partner tests positive for COVID-19.

 As the pandemic has evolved, more evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant patients is available, but the complete risks are still unknown. There does appear to be an increased risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 related complications in pregnant patients, especially those over the age of 35, who are obese, or have pre-existing conditions. Febrile illnesses in pregnancy may also increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth. Preliminary data suggests pregnancy outcomes among the reported cases of COVID-19 infected pregnant patients have been largely good, although there is an increased risk of preterm birth, but no associated risk of birth defects. Currently, there is no data to suggest that COVID-19 can cross the placenta to the fetus. Information on COVID-19 during pregnancy is still limited and evolving.

All patients undergoing treatment must sign a consent to acknowledge they understand the risks of COVID-19. Patients must wear a mask at all times when in the clinic and there is currently one support person allowed per patient. Patients must not come to AART if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Based on information from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), AART recommends patients proceed with COVID vaccination and the seasonal flu shot at any point when a patient is trying to conceive and during pregnancy.