The Province of British Columbia launched a publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program in July.
As of July 2, eligible BC residents have access to one-time funding of up to $19,000 toward the cost of a single standard IVF cycle, including treatment and medications.
“Knowing that the government is stepping in to help with funding makes a world of difference,” says Rachelle Pastilha, an IVF patient in BC who was diagnosed in 2008 with endometriosis.
“It brings real hope—not just for us, but for so many others out there who are going through the same thing. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. This means more than words can say—for my family, and for countless others.”
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, one in six people globally are affected by infertility over the duration of their reproductive lives. IVF is a fertility treatment that includes a complex set of procedures that can lead to a pregnancy. IVF costs an average of $20,000 per round and many people need two to three rounds to be successful.
“For people needing to access IVF care to start a family, the costs can make it simply out of reach,” says Josie Osborne, BC Minister of Health.
“Being able to have a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make. That’s why today we are launching BC’s first-ever, publicly funded IVF program that will ensure more people can access this life-changing treatment and bring hope to thousands of British Columbians on their path to parenthood.”
Fertility clinics that are participating in the publicly funded fertility program will submit applications on behalf of their patients to the Ministry of Health. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, with provincial funding provided directly to a patient’s fertility clinics to limit up-front costs. BC will deliver the program through Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine.
“This is a monumental moment for individuals and couples struggling with infertility, who dream of starting or growing their families but rely on advanced fertility services,” says Niamh Tallon, clinical medical director at Olive Fertility Clinic.
“The BC government’s new funding initiative acknowledges the significant financial barriers many face. By addressing these challenges, this program is a critical step toward ensuring more equitable access to fertility care, aligning BC with other provinces that have already embraced similar measures.”
Funding amounts will be based on household income. Households with a pre-tax income of $100,000 or less will be eligible for the full $19,000, with benefits phasing out for households earning more than $250,000. The Province estimates that the program will fund between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles, with the funding available this fiscal year.
Laura Spencer, certified fertility coach, says she was elated to hear that public IVF coverage was finally coming to BC, but was disappointed to learn that coverage is tied to income and not medical need.
“I feel equal parts joy for the people who are fully covered with the $19,000, and heartache for those who are ineligible due to income, age or the long wait times,” she adds.
“IVF isn’t a luxury; it should be considered the same as any other medical treatment.”
To be eligible for the program, individuals must be at least 18 years of age, 41 years of age or younger at the time of application and enrolled in the Medical Services Plan.
Learn more about the IVF program at gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/ accessing-health-care/publicly- funded-ivf-program.
