B.C.’s free IVF program start date pushed back
Posted March 20, 2025 7:46 am.
Last Updated March 20, 2025 7:48 am.
After the B.C. government announced a free publicly funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) program during last year’s budget, there appears to be a setback.
Originally, the application process was set to get underway in April, but now, the B.C. government says it’s been delayed until July 2.
Zach Shapiro is the CEO and co-founder of Twig Fertility. The new business, currently waiting for regulatory approval in B.C., already has a waitlist, Shapiro says, something which he believes speaks to the demand.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!He says a three-month pause may not sound like a long time to everyone, but when it comes to fertility, time is of the essence.
“It certainly depends on the patient’s situation and hopefully patients in B.C. don’t see this delay past the three months. There’s no easy way to hear that kind of news and it is unfortunate for patients,” he told 1130 NewsRadio from his home in Toronto.
“Fertility as a whole is an incredibly emotional experience, and you can have patients coming in your door from a wide array of backgrounds and in all different phases of their journey. So, any form of delay, whether it’s days, or weeks, can be incredibly challenging. I feel for the patients of B.C.” he said.
He applauds the province’s move to get on board with public IVF and is encouraging people to look at the long run.
“These programs are very challenging to roll out and build. There are a lot of variables that a government has to consider when implementing a program like this,” he said.
Shapiro adds that Twig, once approved, will join a handful of fertility clinics already operating in B.C.
“We’re the first clinic that will be entering the province in over 10 years. When you look at the B.C. market as a whole, there are only four IVF centres in all of British Columbia. B.C. is in need of more supply and more fertility clinics to give patients more choice, more options and to reduce wait times,” he explained.
As of now, Shapiro says they’ve had limited communication with the provincial government about the program and whether they’ll be included in the list of participating facilities.
The government’s Budget 2024 previously included $68 million over two years for the IVF program.
The province has updated its website with some more information, but Shapiro urges that people read it carefully to make sure they get approved funding.
Why the delay?
B.C.’s Ministry of Health says it’s hitting pausing for now as it scrambles to figure out a number of details — which clinics will be taking part, funding details for those who are approved, and whether surrogacy will be included.
“This is a brand-new program with many factors and issues to consider, and we’re making sure these details are worked out and finalized to ensure a smooth program launch,” the ministry said in a statement to 1130 NewsRadio.
The age limit for the program is 41, however, as the program has been pushed back by three months, there may be people who will age out of the program.
“For individuals who turned 42 years of age between April 1, 2025, and July 2, 2025, your fertility specialist may apply to the program on your behalf. However, please contact them if you need any updated tests or consultation,” the ministry said.
Anyone who is approved “may receive” a one-time funding of up to $19,000 for one round of IVF,” it added.
The application steps include:
- Review the eligibility requirements
- Contact your health care provider to discuss your fertility concerns or needs
- Request a referral for consultation with an IVF specialist at a participating B.C. fertility clinic
- Complete a consultation with a participating B.C. fertility specialist
- Complete any recommended diagnostic testing or mandatory treatments as determined by your B.C. fertility specialist
- Complete other fertility treatments first, if recommended by your B.C. fertility specialist
The ministry says your fertility specialist will submit the paperwork on the patient’s behalf and applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received.
Shapiro says that means would-be parents shouldn’t expect to get the green light in July just because the application process will be underway. He adds it could take several months after that to get things going.
If you are currently looking to take part in the B.C. program and are interested in sharing your story, please reach out to reporter Sonia Aslam.
