Senator Peters Helps Lead Legislation Protecting Access to IVF
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a group of his colleagues in leading the Right to IVF Act, legislation that would guarantee the right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services that families depend on to start a family. Peters cosponsored this legislation, which was introduced in response to continued efforts across the country to limit access to reproductive health care, including access to IVF and ART services.
“Becoming a father was one of the greatest joys of my life. I believe every American who wants to be a parent should have that same opportunity,” said Senator Peters. “IVF is an essential tool that has helped countless families who face infertility, frequent miscarriages, or other medical challenges. I call on my Republican colleagues to support this bill and ensure IVF and other critical health care services remain available to every American who simply wants the chance to start a family.”
The Right to IVF Act is a package of bills that, together, would protect the ability to receive – and for health care professionals to provide – IVF services. Additionally, the package would expand IVF insurance coverage, making it more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans.
Specifically, the Right to IVF Act includes:
- The Access to Family Building Act, which Peters also cosponsored, that would ensure individuals have the right to access IVF and ART services. It would also protect the right of insurance providers and insurers to cover these services.
- The Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would allow servicemembers to preserve gametes both before deployment to a combat zone or hazardous duty assignment and after an injury or illness. Additionally, it would enhance fertility treatment and counseling options for veterans and servicemembers.
- The Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act, which would make fertility care, including IVF, more affordable by requiring employer-sponsored and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments to protect Americans against expensive out-of-pocket costs.
- The Family Building Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Fairness Act, which would require employer-sponsored health insurance plans, including the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program, to cover assisted reproductive technology, including IVF.
The Right to IVF Act is supported by numerous key stakeholders, including the National Women’s Law Center, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Reproductive Freedom For All, National Council of Jewish Women, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA).
Peters has been a strong advocate for protecting access to essential care and the right of all Americans to make health care decisions privately with their doctors and family. Last week, Peters spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Right to Contraception Act, legislation Peters cosponsored that would guarantee the right to access contraceptives. Peters also spoke on the Senate floor in February to urge his colleagues to support the Access to Family Building Act, legislation Peters cosponsored that would protect every American’s right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, as well as other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services. Last year, Peters joined his colleagues in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, legislation seeking to restore the right to comprehensive health care for millions of Americans following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which repealed Roe v. Wade. In 2020, Peters was the first U.S. Senator to publicly share his family’s personal abortion story.
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