U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Laurel Lee (R-FL) on March 26 proposed bipartisan legislation that would expand access to infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility services for Americans.
“As a father of six, I’ll never have a more important title than dad,” Rep. Nunn said. “Starting a family is one of the biggest dreams couples have, and no one should be denied that opportunity because of infertility, cancer treatments, or cost.”
Rep. Nunn sponsored the Helping to Optimize Patients’ Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act, H.R. 8119, alongside 12 original cosponsors to ensure coverage for the treatment of infertility for certain conditions. Among the cosponsors are Rep. Lee and U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
“The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes sure that fertility care is within reach for every family — not just those who can afford it or happen to have the right insurance plan,” said Rep. Nunn. “This isn’t a Republican or Democrat idea — it’s an American one, and I’m proud of the strong bipartisan support behind it.”
Across the country, infertility affects roughly one in six people, with cost remaining the single greatest barrier to care. For instance, a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, and many patients require multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Nunn’s staff.
At the same time, insurance coverage varies widely by state and employer, leaving millions of Americans without access to such specific care, the summary says.
“Infertility affects families in every corner of our country, regardless of background or income, yet access to treatment too often depends on those very factors — and that is not acceptable,” Rep. Lee said. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is about changing that by ensuring families have a real opportunity — not just in theory, but in practice — to grow and thrive.”
Specifically, H.R. 8119 would require group health plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services.
This would include individuals diagnosed with conditions that prevent conception or carrying a pregnancy to term, those experiencing unexplained infertility, and patients whose fertility is at risk due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other invasive procedures, the summary says.
The National Infertility and Family Building Association and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine support the legislation, which has been referred to the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee for consideration.