New Legislation Expands Access to Fertility Treatments for Veterans
A new Democratic-led bill seeks to significantly broaden access to fertility treatments for veterans, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). The legislation aims to increase availability of reproductive technology for veterans, military families, and civilians nationwide.
The Legislation
House Democrat Rick Larsen highlighted the importance of the bill, stating that fertility treatments like IVF are essential for many Americans wishing to start families. Larsen emphasized the bill’s potential to expand access and coverage for these services, along with the inclusion of the Veteran Families Health Services Act. This act, co-sponsored with Senator Patty Murray, underscores the need to incorporate fertility treatments into health benefits for servicemen and women. Larsen emphasized continued collaboration with Congressional colleagues to ensure military and working families can achieve their family aspirations.
Current Challenges
Active-duty women report fertility issues at higher rates than civilian counterparts. The Paralyzed Veterans of America notes that women veterans have a 50% higher infertility rate compared to civilians, largely due to injuries sustained in service. Current VA rules limit IVF services to certain eligible veterans and their spouses, under restricted conditions. As such, many veterans struggling with infertility face barriers to coverage.
The Right to IVF Act of 2026
The proposed Right to IVF Act of 2026, unveiled by House Democrats James Walkinshaw, Lori Trahan, Rosa DeLauro, Laura Gillen, and Larsen, includes the Veteran Families Health Services Act. This legislation intends to ensure fertility treatments are part of the benefits provided to veterans and military members. It aims to make IVF legally accessible nationwide and require coverage across employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and military benefits, as explained by Alex Beene from the University of Tennessee at Martin. This shift could alleviate the financial burden of IVF, which typically costs $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle.
Previous Legislative Efforts
Earlier efforts, such as the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025, aimed to extend infertility treatment benefits through the VA. This included IVF, fertility preservation, and access to donated reproductive materials. The proposal also offered travel assistance for those seeking treatment. The latest action saw the bill referred to the Subcommittee on Health in February 2025.
Opposition exists, with some Republicans, led by Representative Matt Rosendale, challenging the morality of IVF. Rosendale argued against taxpayer subsidization, citing surplus embryo concerns.
What Changes with the Right to IVF Act of 2026
Under current rules, veterans must prove military service caused their infertility. Michael Ryan, a finance expert, noted that the new bill would eliminate the need for bureaucratic proof of service-related infertility. The focus on reducing out-of-pocket costs by mandating insurance coverage remains crucial, as high IVF costs are a barrier for many.
Kevin Thompson from 9i Capital Group highlighted potential political challenges, given religious concerns about embryo disposition in some states.
Next Steps
The Right to IVF Act of 2026 has been introduced in the House and referred to multiple committees. It requires approval from both the House and Senate to become law. The bill faces an uncertain trajectory in a divided Congress, but passage would be a significant step towards making fertility treatments a standard health benefit.