VANCOUVER — British Columbia has begun accepting applications for its publicly funded in vitro fertilization program.
Health Minister Josie Osborne says being able to have a child shouldn't depend on how much money a person makes and the funding will help thousands to access the life-changing treatment.
The plans were announced as part of last year's budget, setting aside $68 million over two years beginning in 2025.
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.
Osborne says the funding will be based on a person's income and is expected to pay for between 1,100 and 4,500 treatments this fiscal year.
The minister says the program is being offered on a first-come first-serve basis until the money for the year has run out and those with a combined pre-tax income of up to $100,000 will qualify for the full $19,000 in funding.
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.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025
