Why Your Story Matters

Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide, yet it often remains an overlooked aspect of healthcare policy. In the U.S. alone, an estimated one in six couples struggles to conceive, facing emotional, physical, and financial burdens that can be overwhelming. Despite its prevalence, infertility is still not widely recognized as a disease by many lawmakers, leaving critical gaps in healthcare coverage and protections for those affected.

This is where infertility legislation plays a vital role. Recently, our own Dr. Leah Kaye was joined by Nevada Fertility Advocates, Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, the Nevada State Medical Association, and ACOG to provide testimony in support of Senate Bill 2017 in front of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Bills such as Nevada’s SB 217, which seeks to expand access to fertility treatment and care, are crucial steps toward reproductive healthcare equity. However, legislative change doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it requires voices, stories, and advocacy from those directly impacted by infertility. Fertility Center of Las Vegas is proud to partner with Nevada Fertility Advocates, the non-profit organization that introduced SB 217.

Why Infertility Legislation Matters

Infertility legislation is essential because it:

• Ensures Fair Access to Treatment: Many insurance plans do not cover fertility treatments, leaving individuals to shoulder significant out-of-pocket expenses. Legislation can mandate coverage for procedures like IVF, fertility preservation, and assisted reproduction.
• Recognizes Infertility as a Medical Condition: Infertility is not simply a lifestyle choice; it is a disease recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Legislation can help solidify this recognition within healthcare policy, leading to better funding and research opportunities.
• Supports Family Building for All: Inclusive legislation ensures that fertility services are available to all individuals, including LGBTQ+ couples, single parents by choice, and those with medical conditions affecting fertility.

How Sharing Your Infertility Journey Can Make a Difference

One of the most powerful ways to drive legislative change is through personal storytelling. Lawmakers may not fully understand the widespread impact of infertility until they hear firsthand accounts from those who have faced its challenges.

Here’s how sharing your experience can help:

• Humanizes the Issue: Personal stories make abstract policies real. They help legislators see the emotional and financial toll of infertility treatments.
• Inspires Action: Many policymakers respond to constituent experiences. When they hear from real people affected by inadequate fertility coverage or restrictive laws, they are more likely to champion reforms.
• Builds Awareness and Community: Speaking out encourages others to share their journeys, creating a collective voice that is harder to ignore.
• Influences Policy Development: Lawmakers often seek testimony from those with lived experience to shape the specifics of a bill. Your story could be the catalyst for a more comprehensive and compassionate policy.

How to Get Involved

Infertility legislation is more than just a policy issue—it’s a matter of healthcare justice. By advocating for laws that expand access to fertility treatments, protect healthcare providers, and recognize infertility as a legitimate medical condition, we can create a future where more individuals and couples have the opportunity to build the families they dream of.

Your story matters. By sharing your infertility journey, you can help lawmakers understand the real-life impact of infertility, paving the way for policies that bring hope and support to millions. Let’s work together to ensure no one has to face this journey alone or without the care they deserve.

• Share your story here. 

Fore more information, to share your personal story or to get involved in other ways, visit the Nevada Fertility Advocates website.