Gallego Lauds Veterans Affairs Department for Expanding Access to IVF Treatments
Gallego previously backed the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2023, which would build on today’s announcement to cover all veterans
WASHINGTON – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) applauded the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department’s (VA) announcement that it will cover in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for veterans who are single or in same-sex marriages and whose infertility is related to their service.
“The VA’s old IVF rules were outdated and cruel, preventing single, same-sex, and many disabled veterans from starting a family. At a time when right-wing extremists seek to curb access to IVF for everyone, I applaud the VA’s decision,” said Rep. Gallego, “But it is also imperative Congress acts to cover all veterans, not just those with a verified service-connected disability, since the links between infertility and military service are not fully known. That’s why, as a veteran and a father, I won’t stop fighting to push legislation that expands access to IVF care not just for all veterans but for all Arizonans.”
Rep. Gallego is a co-sponsor of H.R. 544, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2023,which would expand coverage of infertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the Veteran Infertility Treatment Act of 2023 will:
- Require infertility care, including Assisted Reproductive Technology (like IVF), as part of the medical services provided by the VA to any veteran and/or partner who needs infertility care to achieve a pregnancy.
- Allow IVF for up to three successful pregnancies or six attempted cycles.
- Repeal the ban on use of donated gametes and embryos.