Conservatives promise to fund 2 rounds of IVF

The BC Conservatives say, if elected, they promise to fund the first and second rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for those trying to have a child. 

Speaking in Vancouver Friday, John Rustad said reproductive health services in B.C. are lagging behind other regions. 

“We will increase support for couples seeking fertility treatments by providing funding for first- and second-round IVF treatments, including for clinics outside B.C., until our capacity shortage is addressed,” the party said in a release.

The Conservatives say they will partner with private sector experts to expand capacity in fertility clinics.

In its 2024 budget, the BC NDP government announced that it would fund the first round of IVF, but Rustad says it often takes more than one round for families to successfully conceive. 

Rustad also pledged that women who suffer a miscarriage will be allowed one month of paid compassionate leave.

“Conservatives are committed to ensuring that women have access to the reproductive health services they need,” the party said.

Its platform on women’s reproductive health makes no mention of access to abortion.

The provincial election date is Oct. 19. The early voting period started Thursday, Oct. 10.

More to come.