IVF funding

On what grounds does the Government justify taxpayer-funded IVF to infertile couples? Infertility is not an illness and health dollars are needed elsewhere. Having a child is a self-indulgent act now that the survival of the species is secure and we have the population to maintain income tax earnings. I have supported a family member through (privatelyfunded) IVF and it is an extremely stressful process, mentally, emotionally and physically. There are many associated costs which make the process even more expensive and the chances of success are low, while each successive failure is a harsh blow. If people do not wish to foster or adopt, they perhaps lack the compassion necessary to be parents and should accept childlessness. I. Donaldson, Takapuna