B.C.’s free IVF program begins taking applications Wednesday

After months of waiting, would-be parents in British Columbia can begin applying for a free round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) as of July 2.

Health Minister Josie Osborne will be providing an update on the program Wednesday in Vancouver as people and doctors look for some clarification around the approval process.

The beginning of the program has been a long time coming for those desperate to have a child. The program was supposed to get underway in March, more than a year after it was announced as part of the province’s 2024 budget.

However, at the time, the Ministry of Health told 1130 NewsRadio it wasn’t ready because there were still too many details to be figured out, and it eventually and quietly pushed things back without telling the public.

Some of the things that needed to be clarified were which clinics would be taking part, funding models for those who are approved, and whether surrogacy will be included.

Fast forward to Wednesday, and applications will start filtering in.

The application steps include:

• Review the eligibility requirements
• Contact your health-care provider to discuss your fertility concerns or needs
• Request a referral for consultation with an IVF specialist at a participating B.C. fertility clinic
• Complete a consultation with a participating B.C. fertility specialist
• Complete any recommended diagnostic testing or mandatory treatments as determined by your B.C. fertility specialist
• Complete other fertility treatments first, if recommended by your B.C. fertility specialist

1130 NewsRadio has previously spoken to experts in the field, who, although they are applauding the province for getting on board, criticize the fact that only one free round is being offered, when for some it can take up to three rounds to get pregnant.

Some also feel the 41-year-old age limit should be expanded. They’ve also explained that clinic waitlists have been growing for months, given that time is of the essence, eggs have a shelf-life, and worry that the delay in rolling out the program may have hurt some people’s chances at getting pregnant.

If approved, eligible British Columbians will get funding of up to $19,000 for one round of IVF, but if people need more beyond that, they have to pay for it themselves.

Applications will be accepted until the end of March 2026.

The provincial government has set aside $68 million for the program over two years; it’s unclear what happens to it after that.

Wednesday’s news conference with the Ministry of Health is set for 12 p.m.