On July 2, 2025 BC’s new in vitro fertilization (IVF) program rolled out to the first eligible British Columbians. IVF is fertility treatment for those who need it for medical and circumstantial infertility, repeat pregnancy loss, anatomical issues, age related fertility decline, sex selection for a genetic issue and a few other reasons. It’s necessary for many to conceive.Here’s all the updated information on the Government of BC’s website all about who qualifies: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/publicly-funded-ivf-program
How It All Started
When I first heard the announcement in February 2024, I was elated that public IVF coverage was finally coming to our province. I was literally doing cartwheels around my office. As an IVF warrior myself, I know firsthand how life-changing public funding can be.
I’m Laura Spencer, a BC-based fertility coach and advocate since 2017—and I’ve spent years pushing for this kind of coverage to reach the people who need it most.
When the rollout was scheduled for more than a year away, many of my clients had to face a painful decision: wait and risk further fertility decline, or find a way to afford treatment out of pocket. Then, when the program finally launched—three months later than planned—I learned it was income-tested.
To make matters worse, the waitlist was organized based on the first consultation date after March 8, 2024—not on fertility need or time already spent waiting. It felt unfair.
My heart sank.
I felt equal parts joy for those now fully covered by the $19,000 allocation—and heartbreak for those excluded by income, age, or the sheer length of the waitlist.
The way the waitlist is organized based on the first consult with a fertility doctor after March 8, 2024, not based on fertility need or how long someone has been waiting, meant the waitlist wasn’t created fairly, either.
My heart sank.
I feel equal parts joy for the people who are fully covered with the $19,000, and heartache for those who are ineligible due to income, age or the long wait times.
The Positives About BC’s IVF Program
One major positive aspect of the program is that there’s public coverage for IVF for some people, finally! It’s an imperfect program, it needs improvement, but it’s here. For that I’m very grateful.
Until now, BC was one of just three provinces without any publicly funded IVF options. This step forward brings us closer to national equity and puts pressure on Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to follow suit.
I’m grateful to the BC government for stepping up and implementing this program. It helps level the playing field for people trying to have a baby in the LGBQT+ community, who are single moms by choice, and/or for those who have medical infertility like my husband and I do. Most notably, this program breaks down an enormous barrier to treatment which is the financial costs.
The Challenges We Still Face
My greatest grievance is that the treatment coverage is tied to income and not medical need. Only those with a household income of $100,000 or less are eligible for the full funding of $19,000.
Fertility doesn’t discriminate by income, and tying care to a financial threshold is an unfair way to deliver medical treatment. IVF is often not a one-time procedure. Many people need multiple cycles to conceive, and the cost can easily double or triple.
Additionally, the age cut-off is 42 which is too young, especially for the fact that we’re the province with the oldest population trying to have a baby, in large part because the cost of living is one of the highest in Metro Vancouver, pushing back family building.
The government of BC has only committed to a 3 year program. We want to see this permanently in place so that future patients can access the necessary healthcare.
What You Should Know About The IVF Program
I wish people understood how life changing this program is and how important it is that it’s accessible to British Columbians who require IVF. The emotional toll of infertility is already heavy, and when treatment is out of reach financially, it can feel devastating. No one should be denied care simply because their biology didn’t cooperate or the treatment is too expensive.
IVF gave me my son. Everyone who needs it deserves that same chance.
Find Support
Information about the program is here, including eligibility: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/publicly-funded-ivf-program
If you know someone struggling in BC with their fertility, or you are yourself, please check out Butterfly Support Network https://www.butterflysupportnetwork.ca/ and Laura Your Fertility Coach (She/Her) https://yourfertilitycoach.ca/ to find support and resources.
If you feel moved to advocate for improvements to BC’s IVF program, please sign this Change.org petition – https://shorturl.at/xRX6G
