ART (assisted reproductive technology) is a multi billion (yes BILLION) dollar industry. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) lists the average price of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle in the U.S. to be $12,400. (ASRM does not qualify if this includes medications.) Here is more about the costs of infertility treatment from Resolve.org.
Infertility has become a big business. As much as it is about medicine and emotions, there is also a business side. This article hits on the sensitive intersection when the business side clashes at the heartstrings of those personally affected by infertility.
Living through infertility treatments is hard enough emotionally, but add on top of that the financial burden, and it can be crushing. Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, yet not all couple’s insurance cover the procedures, testing, and medications needed. Something needs to change. And it starts with talking about our experiences to our doctors, our families, our friends, and about getting the word and the conversation all the way to Washington to get things changed so that everyone who needs infertility treatment is covered.
Infertility “survivors” often are at the forefront of supporting couples currently on their journey to becoming parents. Birdies for Babies was founded by an amazing Oswego couple Todd and Melissa Trader. They started their IVF journey in 2000 and finally conceived their daughter Jordan in 2005 after spending about $150,000. They wanted give back to other couples that might not have the funding or access to IVF health insurance. They choose one couple per year. This is the 10th year, and so far, nine babies have been born! I am honored to know the couple that was chosen this year, here is the link to support them.
Websites like Attain Fertility and Fertility Authority, also have information on funding, grants, and alternative insurance options for couples.
There have even been apps created to help fund infertility treatments. Glow helps women track their cycles, ovulation, and sexual activity. That data is then fed to Glow’s data scientists and physicians, who crunch it to better inform women on their optimal fertility window.
Everyone who dreams of being a parent should be able to fulfill that dream, not be limited by their financial means.
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Filed under: fertility, financing, IVF, preparing for infertility, stress, surviving infertility
Tags: icsi costs, infertility costs, ivf costs
