House Veterans' Affairs Committee Passes Brownley's Veterans Infertility Treatment Act

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) applauded the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs passage of the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act, legislation she authored which would make infertility care, including in-vitro fertilization, a part of VA health care for veterans struggling with infertility, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, service-connection, or need for donated genetic material.

"For too long, VA has restricted IVF services to only a narrow percentage of veterans, leaving out thousands of veterans that did not meet the criteria for care and treatment," said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. "Infertility is a disease. It affects the physical and mental wellbeing of thousands of veterans and their partners. Veterans should have access to the care needed to treat infertility the same way they receive care for any other medical condition.

"My bill is simple: it makes clear that we have an obligation to provide those who have served our nation with the health care they need -- including to start a family of their own. Parenthood is one of the most rewarding chapters in life, and veterans experiencing the challenges of infertility deserve to have access to quality care, treatment, and resources to fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.

"While veterans across the country and veterans service organizations have strongly supported my bill, I am disappointed that Republicans have chosen to deny veterans infertility care and oppose this legislation that would allow veterans to become parents."

Specifically, the Veteran Infertility Treatment Act will:

Make infertility care, including Assisted Reproductive Technology (like IVF), part of the medical services provided by VA to any veteran and/or partner (if applicable) who needs infertility care to achieve a pregnancy
Allow IVF for up to three successful pregnancies or six attempted cycles
Repeal the ban on use of donated gametes and embryos

The Committee passed the bill by a vote of 16 to 10. The legislation must now be considered by the full House of Representatives.

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