Right to IVF Act: My letter to Senators

Dear Senators,

My name is Alejandra, I am a Latina woman. My personal journey with infertility has been incredibly challenging. I have faced the difficulties of finding the right clinic and doctor, undergone various tests, and dealt with medical conditions like diminished ovarian reserve, high prolactin levels, and a fibroid. My path has included controlling prolactin levels, undergoing IUI, three egg retrievals, two embryo transfers, dealing with a uterus infection, and a laparoscopy to remove a fibroid. The emotional, financial, and physical toll has been immense, but I remain hopeful and determined to build my family. As your constituent, I am reaching out to ask for your support to help those across the country impacted by infertility.

Infertility is a medical condition, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). One in seven women in the U.S., aged 15-49, have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy, and some of these women may need IVF to build their family.

Fortunately, our journey has been made easier because Maryland mandates insurance companies to cover treatment of reproductive assistance. The relevant laws include: Maryland Code Article 48A, Chapter 237 (1985, 2000). MD Insurance Code Ann. Section 15-810. MD Health General Code Ann. Section 19-701 (2015-16). MD Insurance Code Ann. Section 15-810 (2018 for fertility preservation). Maryland Code Article 48A, Chapter 715. MD Insurance Code Ann. Section 15-801.1; Section 31-116(a) (2020). MD Insurance Code Ann. Section 15-810.

This mandate has been the only way we could afford to think about having a family. We are thankful that we had health insurance and were living in Maryland when we found out about our medical condition. Despite my husband having served the country as a federal employee for more than 20 years, we did not have the benefit to try to build a family through the Federal Employee Health Insurance at that time. We want every American to have the same rights and opportunities that Maryland has given us.

Inspired by our journey, I started www.apapachamama.com, an initiative dedicated to supporting LATINA women navigating the complexities of infertility and reproductive health. Through this platform, we provide awareness, resources, emotional and support for those facing similar challenges. As a grateful immigrant in this country, I am dedicated to contributing to this cause and give hope to the Latino families. However, federal regulation is needed to ensure that we can continue to bring future generations into this world.

Today, I ask you to please support the constituents in our Nation affected by infertility, who are struggling to build their families, by voting yes for the Right to IVF Act.

This historic bill would create the right for individuals to access IVF, for providers to provide IVF, and for insurers to cover IVF and ART services. Please, feel free to share my journey with your colleagues.

I stand with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to ask for your support of this comprehensive, pro-family legislation. For more information, please contact RESOLVE at info@resolve.org 

Thank you for supporting the Right to IVF Act to help millions of Americans build their families.

Warmly,

Alejandra