Victoria, B.C (Richa Walia): In a landmark move to expand reproductive healthcare access and support aspiring parents, the Province of British Columbia has launched its first-ever publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program, offering up to $19,000 in financial assistance for eligible residents.
The program, which officially began on Wednesday, July 2, is aimed at making IVF care more affordable and accessible for families across the province.
“For people needing to access IVF care to start a family, the costs can make it simply out of reach,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Being able to have a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make. That’s why we’re launching B.C.’s first-ever, publicly funded IVF program to bring hope to thousands of British Columbians.”
Under the program, eligible residents will receive one-time funding of up to $19,000 toward the cost of a single IVF cycle, including treatment and medications. The application process will be handled by participating fertility clinics, which include Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. These clinics will submit applications to the Ministry of Health, with funding paid directly to clinics to minimize upfront costs for patients.
Eligibility is income-based, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. Households earning $100,000 or less will qualify for the full benefit, with support gradually reduced for those making up to $250,000. The program is expected to support 1,100 to 4,500 IVF cycles during the current fiscal year.
To qualify, individuals must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be 41 or younger at the time of application (with exceptions for those who turned 42 between April 1 and July 2, 2025)
- Be enrolled in B.C.’s Medical Services Plan (MSP)
“For those wanting to start a family, barriers to conceiving a child can have a profound effect,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “B.C.’s new IVF program ensures more people have access to the support they need on their path to parenthood.”
In addition to covering medical costs, the Travel Assistance Program will help offset transportation expenses for residents who must travel for treatment.
The IVF initiative is part of a broader provincial push to improve gender equity and reproductive autonomy. Recent health initiatives include free prescription birth control, expanded perinatal and mental health services, and policies targeting reproductive and health equity.
British Columbia joins a growing number of Canadian jurisdictions in offering public IVF support, positioning itself as a leader in accessible and inclusive reproductive healthcare.
