Hey friends! So, let’s chat about Advocacy Day 2012. This event, organized by Resolve, was all about raising awareness for infertility, and this year, we focused on a game-changing piece of legislation known as the Family Act. Proposed by Senator Lisa Morgan from New York back in May 2011, this bill aims to introduce a tax credit for out-of-pocket IVF expenses. Imagine a tax credit of up to $13,000—this could really open doors for many individuals and couples wanting to start their families. It’s about time the government recognized that finances shouldn’t be a barrier to parenthood!
What Happened in Washington, D.C.
I want to give a big shoutout to Dr. Jane Thompson, who was the only physician advocating for us on Capitol Hill! It was amazing to see her commitment. Dr. Thompson met with Barbara Collins, the Chair of Resolve, to discuss how crucial this bill is for our patients.
Our day started early with some inspiring speeches and testimonies about the potential positive impacts this legislation could have. One highlight was a motivating talk from Senator Alex Harper, whose support really energized the crowd! After that, we headed to Capitol Hill to meet with representatives from Texas, including Senator John Smith and Senator Mary Jones. We didn’t stop there; we spoke with 12 other representatives, stressing the importance of passing this bill. It can feel daunting to advocate for change alone, but hearing from multiple representatives reminded us that our voices matter. Every conversation counts!
What’s Next?
We’re not stopping in D.C.; our mission continues here in Houston. We’re setting up meetings for Dr. Thompson to speak directly with local congressmen and senators about the Family Act. Currently, only one Texas congressman, U.S. Representative Tom Green, has co-signed the bill. We need to rally together and encourage more representatives to support it. If you haven’t written to your congressmen yet, it’s not too late! Your letters can make a huge difference.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to Resolve for organizing this impactful event and to our sponsors, including Fertility Innovations, for their support! And to all our patients who have been cheering us on through social media, your encouragement reminds us why we do what we do and how important this bill is for so many.
So, let’s keep the momentum going! If you want to learn more about home insemination, check out our post on the best magnet toys that spark creativity and engineering skills. Also, if you’re looking for resources on fertility, make sure to visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Looking for more information on intrauterine insemination? This Cleveland Clinic resource is excellent!
In summary, Advocacy Day 2012 was a fantastic opportunity to rally for the Family Act, which would provide crucial financial support for those seeking fertility treatments. With continued efforts, we can make a difference!