As part of its 2024/2025 budget, the British Columbia government will pay for one cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) starting April 1, 2025.
IVF is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside of the body in a medical lab and the embryo is then implanted into a female with the hope that it results in a pregnancy.
“People who want to start a family should be able to regardless of their relationship status, who they love or how much money they make,” said Finance Minister Katrine Conroy during her budget speech on February 22.
One in six people of reproductive age in Canada experience infertility in their lifetime. Other people like single parents by choice and LGBTQI+ couples also require fertility treatments to start a family.
A total of $68 million (or $34 million annually) has been allocated to the in-vitro fertilization program in Budget 2024/2025.
“Everyone who wants to have a child should have the opportunity to do so,” said Conroy.
“However, infertility and other barriers can pose challenges. In-vitro fertilization or IVF is one option, but it can be expensive.”
IVF costs an average of $20,000 for one round and patients often need two to three rounds to be successful.
Age-related infertility is increasing in Canada. According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, more than twice as many women over 30 were giving birth in 2011 compared to 1981. In Canada in 2021, the average age of mothers at the time of delivery was 31.4 years old.
The proposed program brings BC in line with seven provinces in Canada, which offer either coverage or a reimbursement option for people undergoing IVF.
“I know this will be welcome news for many,” said Conroy.
“Whether it is a person looking to have a child on their own, people experiencing infertility or a same-sex couple who has tried other methods, this will help many people on the path to parenthood.”
The 2024/2025 budget also contains a number of other measures that affect local families.
Funding for Schools
A growing population means more children in school. Budget 2024/2025 adds new teachers and support staff, including special-education teachers, teacher psychologists and counsellors, along with investments to build, renovate and seismically upgrade schools and playgrounds.
The budget provides a record $43 billion in capital funding for schools, post-secondary facilities, housing, health-care facilities, roads and other infrastructure over the next three years.
Family Benefits
Families will see a 25 percent increase to their monthly BC Family Benefit, with $248 million for a one-year BC Family Benefit Bonus, starting in July 2024.
A family of four would receive up to $2,850 per year and with the bonus will now receive as much as $3,563.
A single parent with one child would receive up to $2,250 and will now receive as much as $2,688 per year.
On average, families will receive $445 more, according to news.gov.bc.ca. Approximately 66,000 more families, or 25 percent more, will receive the benefit and the bonus this year. A total of 340,000 families will benefit during the 12-month period.
Electricity Bills
People in British Columbia will get a break on their electricity bill, thanks to a one-time, year-long BC Electricity Affordability Credit.
Households will save an average of $100 on their bills over the course of the year, depending on their power usage.
Commercial and industrial customers will also receive savings up to 4.6 percent of their electricity consumption. The average small business will save $400 over the course of the year, according to news.gov.bc.ca.
People and businesses will see the credit on each monthly bill starting in April 2024.
Climate Tax Credit
Individuals and families will also see an increase to their quarterly climate action tax credit payments this year.
One hundred percent of revenue from the carbon-tax increase will be directed to the climate action tax credit.
If a family of four received $890 last year, they will receive $1,005, and an individual that received $447 last year will receive $504 starting in July 2024.
The number of people receiving the credit increases annually, with a goal to reach 80 percent of households in BC by 2030.
Most British Columbians are projected to receive more through the enhanced credit than they pay in carbon tax by 2030.
For more information on the 2024/2025 budget, visit news.gov.bc.ca.
