The limitation on women to three IVF treatments each year paid for by the public has caused much discussion. I know one lady who unfortunately has not conceived after ten IVF treatments. The cost to the public is about $110,000 each time. Those ten treatments have cost taxpayers over a million dollars. That is great for the doctors, sad for the couple who want a baby, and extravagant for the taxpayer.
Bills like this are ultimately hurting against those awaiting hip replacements, knee replacements and heart bypasses. The public health system cannot afford everything.
Not being able to conceive is a heart breaking experience especially when they hear of so many having abortions. This Mothers' Day will be the best ever for a nephew of ours and his wife who have tried for years unsuccessfully to conceive, but who recently received a baby daughter by adoption. Everybody in the family is full of overflowing happiness.
In our church each Sunday, I notice some of our couples are expecting a coming child. The pregnant mothers' look radiant. We are blessed indeed to have new babies and growing families in our congregations. In spite of the cost, challenges and emotional demands, we are blessed indeed. This Sunday my wife, Beverley, once chosen as "Mother of the Year" will be speaking to all in our church on the significance of being a mother.
Every Mother's Day, I am concerned for women who have remained single and childless when they would have made wonderful mothers. I am concerned for married women who with their husbands have been unable to conceive. I am concerned for women without children who have been mothers to other peoples' children. I am concerned for women whose children have died or who are far from them. I am concerned for people who miss their mothers because they have died or separated from them. I am concerned for women who are mothers, but whose children have been taken from them because they have been unable to cope due to ill health or other reasons.
To all of you, we ask God's blessing on this Mother's Day according to your need.
Rev The Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, A.C., M.L.C..