[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5782]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEK

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, building a family is an exciting 
milestone in the lives of millions of American families. Unfortunately, 
the road towards conceiving a child is often difficult and painful for 
the nearly 7 million Americans diagnosed with the disease of 
infertility.
  This week, men and women across the country will share their stories 
during National Infertility Awareness Week. This movement, organized by 
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, brings attention to the 
disease of infertility and encourages the public to take charge of 
their reproductive health. Let me take this opportunity to commend 
RESOLVE for its work providing community and giving voice to women and 
men experiencing infertility.
  Over the last few decades, significant medical advancements, such as 
in vitro fertilization, have provided a solution for some would be 
parents. However, the high cost to undergo infertility care often poses 
an additional barrier for couples to overcome. It costs more than 
$12,000 for a couple to undergo one cycle of infertility treatment, and 
insurance coverage is often dismal. For some patients, multiple cycles 
are required to achieve a successful pregnancy outcome. Federal 
Government insurance plans do not specifically cover infertility 
treatments, and only 15 States offer any level of coverage.
  I have introduced a bill that would alleviate some of the costs 
associated with infertility care. The Family Act, S. 965 creates a 
Federal tax credit for individuals who are diagnosed with infertility 
by a licensed physician. A tax credit will help make this vital patient 
care more accessible and affordable to those who lack insurance 
coverage for these services.
  I hope you will join me during National Infertility Awareness Week 
and become a cosponsor of the Family Act. This is a necessary step 
towards ensuring that all of our citizens have the ability to raise a 
family, without compromising their financial future.

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