Inequitable fertilization: Improving access to assisted reproductive technologies in British Columbia

Advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and growing rates of medical and circumstantial infertility have led to increased demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The financial, geographic and social barriers associated with IVF raise significant and sometimes prohibitive challenges for those pursuing treatment in BC. The procedure is also associated with an elevated multiple births rate, which poses health risks for individuals, as well as high healthcare costs for governments. This capstone examines access to IVF across the Province and assesses multiple options to address the inequities faced by those experiencing different forms of infertility. Methodologies include an original survey of British Columbians experiencing infertility, literature review, jurisdictional scan, and interviews with subject matter experts. Three policy aspects are assessed using criteria and measures to identify strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs. The recommendation includes options for eligibility constraints, embryo transfer policies, and funding models.