Back

March 13, 2025

Report: Fertility Treatment in Canada

An overview of fertility treatments, policies, and provincial subsidies available in Canada

Download the report

Since the birth of the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the UK in 1978, millions of people around the world have built their families using fertility treatments.

Although it is often the only option for those who want to have children and can’t by other means, fertility care is expensive in Canada, making it inaccessible to many. Access to fertility care varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, financially as well as geographically. Many residents are required to travel out of province to receive these treatments, which adds to the cost.

Since many parties may be involved in fertility treatment, steps have been taken to protect the rights of all parties, including the intended parents, donors of reproductive materials, surrogate mothers, and the children being born. As such, most provinces and territories have established acts that determine the legal parents at birth as well as the process to become a legal parent of a child born by fertility treatments. These laws vary across jurisdictions, with some requiring a court order to change parentage, while others do not even recognize surrogacy.

This report allows readers to form a better understanding of the fertility treatments, policies, and provincial subsidies available in Canada. Fertility treatments continue to evolve. As new discoveries are made, it is important to discuss and consider the potential policy changes that might be needed to accommodate this evolution in technology.

Hamici, A.-L., & Hilbrecht, M. (2025, March 13). Fertility treatment in Canada. The Vanier Institute of the Family: Ottawa, ON. https://doi.org/10.61959/MVMZ3030E