Cystic Fibrosis: Mother considers options for second child and treatment

An Otago couple, Maddie and Mackenzie Palmer, are facing a difficult choice between pursuing fertility treatment for a second child or relocating to Australia for access to Trikafta, a drug that could significantly extend the life of their 17-month-old daughter, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. They are currently on a waiting list for IVF to conceive a child without the cystic fibrosis gene. The family is awaiting a decision from New Zealand’s Pharmac agency on funding Trikafta for all ages, with a government announcement expected in April. If the proposal is rejected, they plan to move to Australia, where the drug is available for children from two years old.

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