On May 11th, a spirited group of over 20 passionate advocates gathered on Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day 2016. Among them were patients, healthcare providers, and supporters who united with more than 200 advocates from the infertility community. The goal? To shine a spotlight on the challenges of infertility and to urge Congress to take action on important legislation that could make a real difference in the lives of countless families.
This year was particularly special, as we had the privilege of hearing from Congresswoman Sarah Mitchell, a decorated veteran who shared her personal journey of struggling to conceive after serving in the military. Her story resonated deeply, especially since one of the main focuses of our advocacy was a new bill aimed at providing funding for veterans needing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment—due to service-related injuries impacting their reproductive health.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of Alex and Jamie Carter, who were honored with the Infertility Hero Award for their relentless fight against the barriers to accessing fertility treatments. Their story of overcoming the odds was highlighted in a feature on local news, showcasing their journey to parenthood.
Key Issues Advocated
Throughout the day, we rallied support for several key issues, including:
- The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act, which aims to provide IVF and adoption assistance to veterans.
- The Veterans Amendment to the Senate Appropriations Mil-Con Bill, ensuring two years of funding for IVF treatments through the VA.
- The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, which seeks to make adoption more affordable for families in need.
The day began at the National Press Club, where Congresswoman Mitchell spoke passionately about her military service and the struggles she faced in accessing fertility treatments. She emphasized the need for greater support for veterans and urged Congress to lift restrictions in fertility treatment at VA hospitals.
Get Involved
If you missed out on Advocacy Day, it’s not too late to make your voice heard! You can still reach out to your Representatives and Senators to advocate for these changes. Resources for writing letters are available online.
For those exploring options for starting a family, consider checking out the CryoBaby at home insemination kit, which is a fantastic resource for anyone looking into artificial insemination. And if you’re curious about the complexities of ectopic pregnancies, our blog post on that topic will provide you with essential information. Additionally, for an in-depth look at IVF and fertility preservation, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is a must-listen.
In summary, Advocacy Day 2016 was a powerful event that brought together individuals committed to raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes that can ease the path to parenthood for many.