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The province is launching its first-ever, publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program, making IVF care more affordable and accessible.

File photo by Hannah Scott

Province launches program to fund IVF, support families

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:25 PDT, Wed July 2, 2025

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People on the path to parenthood now have more supports as the province launches its first-ever, publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program, making IVF care more affordable and accessible for hopeful parents throughout British Columbia.

“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 today we are launching B.C.’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.”

Starting Wednesday, July 2, 2025, eligible B.C. 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. Participating fertility clinics may now 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.

“For those wanting to start a family, barriers to conceiving a child can have a profound effect on people,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “Empowering people in becoming parents sometimes means specialized supports are needed and B.C.’s new publicly funded IVF program will help more people on the path to parenthood.”

Funding amounts will be based on household income to ensure that more individuals and families can benefit from the program, with greater support for those who need it the most and are otherwise unable to afford the cost. 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.

To be eligible, 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. Applicants who turned 42 between April 1, 2025, and July 2, 2025, are also eligible to apply. These criteria are in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.

B.C. will deliver the program through Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. For those who need to travel, the Travel Assistance Program will help alleviate some of the transportation costs for those eligible B.C. residents receiving IVF treatment as part of this program.

This initiative is part of B.C.’s broader work to improve gender equity and reproductive autonomy. The province is investing in improved access to maternal and women’s health services, including access to free prescription birth control, expanded perinatal care, mental health support and initiatives to address health equity throughout the province.