B.C. is set to launch its publicly funded IVF program

The province says its publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program is set to launch in April 2025.

In a release Friday, the government of B.C. has confirmed its effort to begin work on providing “better, more affordable access” to IVF services.

“For people wanting to start a family, infertility and other barriers to parenthood can take a real toll on their well-being,” said Premier David Eby.

“Being able to have a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make, who you love, or your relationship status.”

The program will fund treatment and medication for a single cycle of treatment.

Dr. Carol Fenton, medical health officer for Interior Health, who is expecting her first child through IVF, says reproductive health is important for “individuals, families, and the population,” and IVF can help those who have barriers to becoming pregnant.

“Until now, most reproductive medicine, such as IVF, was private pay in B.C., which meant it was out of reach for a lot of people. This new program in B.C. will make IVF more accessible to support people in their reproductive journeys and move closer to achieving the families they hope for,” she said.

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, one in six people globally are affected by infertility.

The program says that details like “age considerations, service delivery options, and care pathways” to access the service in B.C. will be through consultation with experts throughout 2024.

“We’ve heard from many people that reducing barriers to IVF services will be life-changing for them and their families,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.

“Everyone benefits when we build inclusive communities and empower women and gender-diverse people, whether through expanding access to health care, delivering more affordable child care, taking on gender-based violence, or offering new training opportunities.”

The province’s budget this year has allocated $68 million to begin work on this program. Adrian Dix, Minister of Health says B.C. is continuing to take action to “strengthen access to health-care services.”

“Creating a publicly funded IVF program is an important step toward an equitable public healthcare system that puts people first and ensures that people can get the care they need regardless of their ability to pay,” he said.

“Once launched, the new program will help many families every year, and I look forward to working with our healthcare system partners on making this a reality for hopeful parents in B.C.”

B.C. provides services for medically required tests for female and male infertility. This includes gynaecological investigations, hormone-related tests, seminal examinations, and inseminations performed in doctor’s offices.

The new coverage will be in line with coverage in other provinces, the B.C. government says.

“Improving access to IVF is part of the province’s work to improve gender equity in B.C. This includes actions such as reducing the costs of child care, introducing pay-transparency legislation, and reducing gender-based violence,” it said.

The province says it’s launching a new family law clinic model “representing the largest expansion of legal aid,” to increase access to free and fast legal assistance.

“This means many of those facing trauma, such as women dealing with intimate partner violence, won’t have to worry about finances.”