BC to cover cost of first round of in-vitro fertilization starting in mid-2025

Another step forward for reproductive health!

Included in the 2024 Budget release, the BC government  announced that it will begin paying for one round of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as of April 1st, 2025.

This will include costs of treatment and medication. 

In-vitro fertilization is when an egg has been safely extracted from the body and is fertilized by sperm. This fertilized egg is then implanted in the birthing parent’s uterus. 

This procedure is most often used by individuals facing infertility challenges due to age or reproductive problems.

This new publicly funded program will establish better access for people seeking IVF treatment—further breaking down barriers individuals may otherwise face while searching for fertility services that suit their needs.

The total funding that will be set aside in the 2024 budget is $68 million.

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

The implementation of this new program will come two years after BC began providing free birth control to residents. 

This program includes oral hormone pills, contraceptive injections, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), subdermal implants and Plan B (also known as the morning-after pill).

To learn more about the 2024/2025 budget, you can view their plan here.