Publicly funded IVF now available in BC, offering up to $19,000

A few thousand British Columbians could get help expanding their families this year with the launch of the province's new publicly funded in vitro fertilization program.

Applications for the funding, which was first announced as part of last year's budget, opened Wednesday and Health Minister Josie Osborne said it's expected to pay for between 1,100 and 4,500 treatments this fiscal year.

"Having a child shouldn't depend on how much money you make," Osborne told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.

"Our IVF program will help reduce the financial burden this costly process can have on families, support more people in our province on the path to parenthood, and ultimately change lives."

The program, which was initially supposed to launch April 1, offers a one-time payment of up to $19,000 for a single standard cycle of in vitro treatment.

The provincial budget set aside $68 million over two years beginning in 2025.

The minister said money is being offered on a first-come, first-serve basis until the budget for the year has run out.

Funding will be income based and those with a combined pre-tax income of up to $100,000 will qualify for the full $19,000.

Rachelle Pastilha told the news conference that she was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008 and hearing that having children could be a struggle was a weight she carried.

In 2021, she gave birth to her son who she calls a "miracle baby."

"But we've always hoped to grow our family, and for the past three years, we've been trying without any success. That has led us to the IVF journey," she said.

"Knowing that the government is stepping in, helping with funding and making a difference, it brings real hope, not just for us, but for so many out there who are going through the same thing." she said.

Osborne said those interested will work with a participating fertility clinic to get a medical consultation and submit a package to the ministry, which will be reviewed in about 30 days.

"Wait lists are something I can't really estimate what the size will be right now. We don't really know," she said.

"This is the first time that British Columbia has undertaken a program like this, we'll be really carefully monitoring and watching that, working with the fertility clinics themselves as well."

Eligibility requirements include that the applicant is 41 years or younger when they apply and that they are getting treatment at a participating B.C. fertility clinic

Similar programs are already available in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.