‘Path to parenthood’: BC announces rollout for publicly funded in-vitro fertilization

In BC’s recently announced Budget 2024, the Province revealed that they would be rolling out a plan for funding in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for those who wish to have a child but face barriers. 

IVF is a treatment for infertility that includes a complex set of procedures that can lead to a pregnancy.

Infertility can occur in men and women. According to the Province, if a couple has been trying for pregnancy for over 12 months with no success, infertility may be the cause. 

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

Beginning on April 1st, British Columbians will have access to funding for their first attempt at IVF pregnancy when before, it would have cost upwards of $10,000. 

“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. A new publicly funded IVF program here in B.C. will support more people on the path to parenthood.”

The Province is committing $68 million to this endeavour. 

Related:

• Here are 12 things to know about British Columbia’s Budget 2024
• ‘Smoke and mirrors’: Some BC organizations sceptical about Budget 2024

BC already provides funding for medically required infertility investigations, some of which are gynaecological investigations to determine infertility causes, ovulation lab tests for hormone levels, seminal examinations to determine male infertility causes and artificial insemination.

Now, with the new funding, IVF will be covered as well. 

“As a budding fertility physician, I have seen firsthand how the cost of fertility treatments add significant stress to an already stressful time and make fertility treatments inaccessible for some,” said Dr. Ruth Habte, OB/GYN resident physician, University of British Columbia.

“I applaud the government for covering one cycle of IVF, a policy that will help make growing their family through IVF more accessible for patients and shows that our government values reproductive health care.”

The Province says this will put BC more in line with other provinces who already cover IVF solutions to pregnancy and is a step in the right direction for gender equity.