Building a family shouldn’t depend on your zip code, income, or insurance plan. But for thousands of Americans, fertility care is still out of reach due to systemic disparities. These challenges delay or derail the dream of having a child. Events like RESOLVE’s Federal Advocacy Day give real people a powerful voice in the fight for equitable fertility care. When we come together in advocacy, we can bring about change and help others on their path to parenthood.
Understanding Fertility Access Disparities
Access to fertility care and treatment in the United States is far from consistent and equal for everyone. An individual’s or couple’s ability to add to their family is not based on medical need. Instead, where they live, their income level, and their ethnic background impact their ability to obtain fertility assistance. The 2024 KFF Women’s Health Survey highlights how widespread and impactful these disparities are. Despite one in eight women of reproductive age needing fertility assistance, the realistic availability of these treatments remains disproportionate.
Geographic Limitations
The state someone lives in shouldn’t be an impactful factor on their ability to seek out and receive fertility care. However, one-third of reproductive-age women say it is challenging to access infertility services in their state. Living in rural or underserved areas is a common reason for the lack of services. Women in these areas are forced to travel long distances, sometimes several hours or across state lines, to obtain the care they need. Having to travel long distances to a fertility clinic is costly in both time and money. If you’re a patient from a rural area, seeking treatment can be substantially more difficult than if you live in a metropolitan or suburban area.
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Economic Disparities
The greatest and most common hurdle for those seeking fertility services is the cost. The average cost of an IVF cycle is around $23,000, but it varies by city and state. In some states, the majority of patients are self-pay, meaning they do not have insurance that covers fertility treatments, and must pay out-of-pocket. Because of this, many lower-income families are unable to afford fertility treatments.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Historically, women of color have faced many challenges when it comes to seeking medical care. Infertility does not discriminate; it affects all races and ethnicities equally. Sadly though, there is not always equality when it comes to care. Data shows that Black and Hispanic women are less likely to seek out and receive fertility treatment than White women.
Insurance Gaps and Policy Variability
Health insurance coverage can vary significantly between policies. The inconsistency in coverage results in varying support for fertility care. Some states require some level of fertility care coverage, but these mandates vary in the minimum required coverage. The result is a lack of inclusivity and support for families seeking treatment. Those without coverage are required to fund their fertility care on their own.
The Role of Federal Advocacy Day
Systemic barriers to fertility services won’t resolve on their own. Fertility struggles are a deeply personal struggle. It will take a united advocacy effort to raise awareness and drive change. Federal Advocacy Day gives a voice to the women and families who may not be able to advocate for themselves. This annual event turns private, personal struggles into a conversation about policy. By continuing to raise awareness, we can help persuade key political decision markers to address the disparities in access to fertility care.
Hosted in partnership with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), this event empowers individuals and medical professionals to bring their voices directly to Capitol Hill. Participants meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the urgent need for equitable fertility access. They share personal stories, highlight data, and support legislative solutions to barriers in care. Throughout the years, Advocacy Day has engaged hundreds of families from across the country to facilitate over 1,000 meetings with lawmakers.
RESOLVE’s National Advocacy Day is an extension of their more well known event, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). Instead of raising awareness around infertility in general, this important day is intended to make legislative changes that would make access to fertility treatment equitable for everyone.
Addressing Common Concerns
While we’re working tirelessly to increase education and awareness around infertility, it is still a topic that is misunderstood by many. Personal, political, and religious beliefs make it difficult for insurers, lawmakers, and even the general public to have their own ideas about fertility care. The main goal of infertility advocacy efforts is to corrects many of the common misconceptions and ensure that all patients have the ability to afford fertility treatment and build their families.
Medical Necessity
The most common misconception is that getting fertility treatment is a choice. The truth is that infertility is a disease. It is recognized by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Medical Association (AMA). If a patient is diagnosed with infertility then their treatment may be medically necessary, not an elective procedure.
Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage remains a difficult topic for many. Coverages vary significantly between providers and plans. Some plans may cover diagnostics but not procedures. Others may only support certain patient profiles. Federal and state insurance requirements vary, creating inconsistencies in minimum coverage. The current system results in confusion and distrust among individuals seeking coverage and care.
Legal Considerations
Ethical and legal concerns have been raised about assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, fertility treatments in the United States are carefully regulated and adhere to strict ethical standards. The ASRM Ethics Committee provides ongoing guidance on best practices, ensuring that patient safety, autonomy, and informed consent are paramount.
Advocacy Today Creates Families Tomorrow
Every family’s journey to parenthood is unique, but no one should face insurmountable obstacles simply because of where they live or their economic status. While disparities in fertility access remain a significant barrier, advocacy efforts bring hope and momentum for change. By joining events like RESOLVE’s Federal Advocacy Day and raising awareness about fertility disparities, we can influence policies that make fertility care accessible to all. Every voice matters in this fight. By standing together and advocating for equitable fertility care, we can create lasting solutions that help families grow, no matter their background or location.
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