Wasserman Schultz Honors Infertility Awareness Week with Bipartisan Resolution Reintroduction

“Infertility affects millions of Americans,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Bringing a child into the world is truly a blessing and that possibility should be available for anyone who truly wants to start a family. I know from my own infertility experience that in order to realize that goal, we must understand how the disease affects individuals and families to better advocate for sensible solutions. This Resolution is a first step, and one that addresses what infertility is, who it impacts and how, and what we as legislators need to focus on moving forward. It clearly states that Congress needs to work toward developing bipartisan, commonsense policies on this issue so we can ultimately mitigate the burden on individuals, couples, and families. I am so very proud to be a part of that solution.”

Washington, D.C. – Last week, in recognition of National Infertility Week, U.S. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution with U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) affirming a Congressional commitment to address infertility, including its causes, diagnoses, treatment, and costs.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Bringing a child into the world is truly a blessing and that possibility should be available for anyone who truly wants to start a family. I know from my own infertility experience that in order to realize that goal, we must understand how the disease affects individuals and families to better advocate for sensible solutions. This Resolution is a first step, and one that addresses what infertility is, who it impacts and how, and what we as legislators need to focus on moving forward. It clearly states that Congress needs to work toward developing bipartisan, commonsense policies on this issue so we can ultimately mitigate the burden on individuals, couples, and families. I am so very proud to be a part of that solution.”

Wasserman Schultz, who utilized IVF to conceive her twin son and daughter, has long fought to expand access to infertility treatment. In 2001, then-state Senator Wasserman Schultz introduced SB 464, legislation requiring insurance plans to cover costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

The following organizations have oiced their support for Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Crenshaw’s federal resolution: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, and the Military Family Building Coalition.

“Infertility is often misunderstood and discounted as a disease which negatively impacts 1 in 6 people globally that suffer from infertility. We need better awareness and understanding, which is why we applaud Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Dan Crenshaw for addressing this issue by introducing the “Infertility Resolution” in the House of Representatives.  We encourage Congress to embrace this Resolution and show all Americans that struggle to build their family that you see them, you hear their stories, and their voice matters,” said Barbara Collura, President/CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

“As National Infertility Awareness Week draws to a close, ASRM thanks Representatives Wasserman-Shultz and Crenshaw for introducing the resolution recognizing infertility as something that ‘affects populations of diverse ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. ASRM applauds national leaders amplifying the message that infertility cuts across socioeconomic levels, racial identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious affiliations and hope that this will be just one step in a larger action plan by Congress to ensure every American who needs it has the support, treatment, and ability to build a family,” said Dr. Michael Thomas, President of ASRM.

“The Alliance for Fertility Preservation applauds Representative Wasserman Schultz on the introduction of House Resolution 345, which acknowledges infertility as a disease and recognizes the many and varied populations that it affects. For the cancer patients and survivors we serve, infertility, and its life-changing impact, results as a side effect of their cancer treatments. Hopefully, through increased awareness and more equitable access to fertility preservation services, many patients can be spared the suffering that the disease of infertility inflicts. This Resolution is a significant step toward that goal.” said Joyce Reinecke, Executive Director of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation.

“Active Duty military members deserve comprehensive care for family building – it’s time to do the right thing for those who sacrifice their lives for our families, let’s make sure they have the ability to build theirs,” said Katy Bell Hendrickson, Co-founder of the Military Family Building Coalition.