Nearly Half of Canadians Support Federal IVF Funding as Costs Remain a Barrier
A new Ipsos study for Fertility Matters Canada finds 46% of Canadians support federal funding for IVF treatment. While nine provinces offer some assistance, experts say the costs remain prohibitive, and Prime Minister Mark Carney's campaign promise of up to $20,000 per round has yet to be implemented.
Nearly half of Canadians who hold an opinion on the matter—46%—support the creation of a federal funding program for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, according to data collected by Ipsos for Fertility Matters Canada.
During his 2025 campaign, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised Canadians up to $20,000 for a single round of IVF treatment. That pledge has not yet been implemented. A spokesperson for federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel stated that the ministry recognizes the financial burdens associated with fertility treatments but will have more to say on the issue in due course.
Currently, nine out of ten Canadian provinces provide some form of IVF programs, grants, or tax credits. However, industry leaders argue these provincial initiatives are insufficient given the high costs involved. One round of IVF treatment costs approximately $20,000, and the average heterosexual couple requires three rounds for a successful outcome. Experts contend that a federal program would harmonize what is currently an inconsistent patchwork of provincial support across the country.
Data from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society shows that in 2025, 5,466 patients in Ontario and 3,606 patients in Quebec received provincial funding for IVF treatment. The Ontario Ministry of Health reported that 132,900 women have received publicly funded fertility support in the province since 2015.
Support for a federal IVF financial program is highest among younger demographics. Among Canadians aged 18 to 34, 26% stated that such funding would affect their family-building plans.
Beyond the financial strain, research cited by Carolynn Dubé indicates that being diagnosed with infertility has the same negative impact on mental health as diagnoses of cancer or heart disease. A lack of awareness about the true costs of IVF can create unexpected financial and emotional burdens for patients navigating the process.