A federal IVF program will harmonize ‘patchwork’ approach, experts say
Data collected by Ipsos for Fertility Matters Canada (FMC) found that 46 per cent of Canadians with an opinion on it support the proposed federal IVF funding program.
A new Ipsos study for Fertility Matters Canada reveals that 46% of Canadians support federal funding for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, suggesting that the current patchwork of provincial funding would benefit from a harmonized federal program. Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged during his 2025 campaign up to $20,000 for a single round of IVF, but the promise has yet to be fulfilled.
Carolynn Dubé, executive director of Fertility Matters Canada, has spoken with the federal government and noted their interest in developing a suitable program.
Nine out of ten provinces provide some form of IVF assistance, which industry experts confirm are functional. In Ontario and Quebec alone, 5,466 and 3,606 patients received provincial funding for IVF treatment in 2025 respectively. According to the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, one round of IVF costs approximately $20,000, and most heterosexual couples require three rounds to achieve a successful outcome.
The Ontario Ministry of Health reported that 132,900 women have received publicly funded fertility support since 2015.
Carolyn McIntosh, executive director of CFAS, stated that provincial funding programs are insufficient and emphasized the financial barrier as a significant issue. She called for federal support and insurance programs to alleviate the burden. Support for a federal IVF funding program is highest among Canadians aged 18 to 34, with 26% indicating it would impact their family's building plans or those of someone close to them. This age group is also struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Dubé highlighted the importance of education and awareness regarding the costs and barriers to IVF. She explained that infertility diagnosis has a similar negative impact on mental health as significant health concerns like cancer or heart disease. Dubé stressed that any opportunity to raise public awareness about this issue would be beneficial for thousands of Canadians still awaiting their baby's arrival.
A federal Health Minister spokesperson acknowledged the financial challenges associated with fertility treatments and indicated that the ministry will address the issue further in the future.
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