Gallego Backs Bill to Expand Infertility Treatment Access for Arizona Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced his support for H.R. 544, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2023. The bill would expand coverage of infertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Access to fertility services at the VA can be extremely difficult for veterans to qualify for, forcing many to forgo treatment or choose expensive, private options.
“Veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we must keep our promise to take care of them. That sacrifice shouldn’t include having children and starting a family,” said Rep. Gallego. “That’s why I’m proud to support the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act to fix the VA’s burdensome and restrictive infertility treatment policies.”
In addition to requiring a service-connection, the VA’s authority to provide IVF is limited to straight, married couples who can produce their own eggs and sperm and have an intact uterus. The VA is prohibited from treating veterans with donated gametes or embryos. This denies LGBTQ+ veterans, single veterans, and veterans without the ability to use their own sperm, eggs, or uterus – often due to illness or injury sustained during their service – the ability to have a family.
The Veteran Infertility Treatment Act of 2023 will:
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Require infertility care, including Assisted Reproductive Technology (like IVF), as part of the medical services provided by VA to any veteran and/or partner who needs infertility care to achieve a pregnancy.
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Allow IVF for up to three successful pregnancies or six attempted cycles.
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Repeal the ban on use of donated gametes and embryos.