Why fertility treatment matters in modern healthcare

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become one of the main treatments for infertility since the first IVF birth in 1978. Yet in the United States, many people who could benefit from it cannot afford it. This post looks at why access is uneven and what federal proposals such as the Right to IVF Act have tried to change.

Infertility is common

According to the World Health Organization, about one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. The WHO also notes that high treatment costs are a major barrier to care in many countries.

What IVF costs in the US

Cleveland Clinic puts the average cost of an IVF cycle in the United States at about $15,000, not including medication, which can add roughly $5,000 per cycle. Many patients need more than one cycle. KFF notes that most patients pay out of pocket because coverage is limited.

A patchwork of insurance coverage

Coverage depends heavily on where you live and who your employer is. According to KFF:

• Fifteen states require some private insurers to cover some fertility treatment, but significant gaps remain.
• Only one state Medicaid program (New York) covers any fertility treatment, and no Medicaid program covers IVF.
• About 1.8% of US infants are conceived with assisted reproductive technology each year, with the highest shares in northeastern states that have broader coverage.

State laws change often, so check your state's current rules and your plan documents before starting treatment.

Unequal access

KFF reports that 13% of non-Hispanic White women said they had sought medical help to get pregnant, compared with 6% of Hispanic women and 7% of Black women. KFF links these differences to insurance coverage, income, and where services are available.

The Right to IVF Act

The Right to IVF Act was a federal bill introduced in the US Senate in 2024. Its supporters aimed to protect access to IVF nationally and expand insurance coverage. It did not become law. Other federal and state proposals continue to be debated, and the details of any future law will determine who actually benefits.

Why access matters

Infertility can take a real emotional and financial toll. When treatment depends on income or zip code, many people who could build a family with medical help are left without options. Clearer coverage rules, cost transparency, and support for patients navigating their choices can all help.

What you can do now

• Ask your employer or insurer exactly which fertility services are covered, and how many cycles.
• Ask clinics for an itemized estimate that includes medication, monitoring, and embryo storage.
• Compare the cost of different treatment paths with your doctor, since IVF is not always the first step.