Will B.C. learn lessons from other provinces before funding IVF? – CTV

Feb. 29, 2024

VANCOUVER – British Columbia is joining seven provinces in paying for some of the cost of in vitro fertilization but scant details and long-standing inequities have raised questions about how the plan could benefit patients.
While some applauded the move, expected to begin in April 2025, others in the field were wary of the lack of specifics around what aspects of the treatment would be covered.

Here’s a look at the hopes, concerns and reality of those who receive IVF or advocate for public funding.

British Columbia plans to convene an expert clinical group to help create the program and provide $68 million in funding for two years.

Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said last week that “one round of IVF will be available for free” but provided no details.

However, the process of undergoing IVF includes multiple procedures and an array of medical and non-medical costs. Medications alone can run into thousands of dollars and are not included in most programs across the country. Rural patients face added travel expenses for regular visits to clinics in major centres.

Read more: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/will-b-c-learn-lessons-from-other-provinces-before-funding-ivf-1.6788011