Key Policy Updates from the Office of Public Affairs
The bulletin below from the Office of Public Affairs is intended to raise awareness of key policy updates and events as we head into the new year. Please contact publicaffairs@asrm.org with any inquiries regarding the following items.
If you are interested in making a difference through advocacy, please fill out this form to share your information and interests in our advocacy efforts and stay involved as we work together to create a brighter future!
Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act Signed into Law
Annual Defense Authorization Bill Includes Fertility and Reproductive Health Care Provisions Supported and Opposed by ASRM
On December 23, President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. While the annual defense policy bill has been enacted for the past 65 consecutive years, in recent NDAA cycles, the bill’s title on military health care has made the NDAA a legislative vehicle for debates on reproductive health care.This year’s defense authorization process was no different, with the final FY25 NDAA conference report including certain policy provisions that were supported by and others that were opposed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Because the final FY25 NDAA conference negotiations resulted in both legislative victories, as well as misguided policy provisions and missed opportunities, ASRM remained neutral on the overall legislative package.
Throughout this year’s NDAA cycle, ASRM has been a leader and highly engaged in advocating for expanded access to fertility treatment and other reproductive health care for service members. ASRM supported the following provisions included in the final version of the recently enacted FY25 NDAA:
- Demonstration Program on Cryopreservation and Storage of Gametes for Members of the Armed Forces: The FY25 NDAA includes language authorizing a three-year demonstration program to reimburse service members for expenses incurred in the retrieval, testing, cryopreservation, shipping, and storage of gametes in a private storage facility.
- Contraception Coverage Parity Under TRICARE: After more than a decade of efforts to eliminate copays for contraception for military families, the final NDAA provision signed into law will end all cost-sharing for contraception under TRICARE immediately in perpetuity.
However, ASRM remains deeply concerned by NDAA policy decisions that continue to promote disparity and inequity in the fertility treatment and reproductive health care available to military families. Specifically, ASRM opposed Congress’:
- Failure to Expand TRICARE Coverage for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): For the first time in any NDAA cycle, both the House and Senate FY25 defense authorization bills included expanded IVF coverage under TRICARE. For this reason, it is unusual that an IVF provision did not appear in the final NDAA agreement. By excluding this bipartisan and bicameral priority, Congress missed the opportunity to ensure that military families, who face higher rates of infertility than the general population, have the same access to IVF coverage that will become available to Members of Congress and Congressional staff beginning in January 2025.
- Prohibition on TRICARE Coverage of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: The legislation signed into law includes a ban on TRICARE coverage of medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria for transgender youth in military families.
Protecting and expanding access to fertility treatment and other reproductive health care for the men and women who serve our country should be easy and cost-effective because it is the right thing to do. ASRM looks forward to continuing to educate defense policymakers and to working alongside reproductive health care champions in Congress to enact smart and inclusive policies that maintain the readiness of the all-volunteer force, support the services in achieving their recruitment and retention goals, and as a result, bolster U.S. national security.
ASRM and Women First Research Coalition Advocate for Increased Funding for Women’s Health Research
ASRM is working with the Women First Research Coalition (WFRC) to advocate for increased funding for women’s reproductive research.
If you have stories or examples of successful NIH-funded research—be they basic, translational, or clinical—we would love to share them with policymakers. Please email your suggestions to publicaffairs@asrm.org.
Read our full statement here on the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s report “A New Vision for Women’s Health”.
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
Fertility in the News
American Society for Reproductive Medicine Releases Fact Sheet on Biological Sex Differentiation
ASRM releases a new “Just the Facts” paper on biological sex, emphasizing scientific complexity and advocating for informed policymaking in reproductive medicine.
ASRM Government Affairs Manager Jessie Losch named Director of Government Affairs
Jessie Losch, an experienced advocate for reproductive medicine, has been named ASRM's Director of Government Affairs, starting February 1, 2025.
Resources For You
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.
Find a Health Professional
Connect with reproductive medicine experts who will guide you through your unique journey. Our search tool allows personalized matches based on location, specialization, and expertise. Take control of your reproductive health with compassionate providers, innovative treatments, and unwavering support.
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
SART Fertility Experts - Technology in ART & IVF
Explore the latest IVF technologies, from AI for embryo selection to vitrification, balancing innovation with compassionate patient care in fertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - PGT-A and Mosaicism
Explore PGT-A, a genetic screening test for embryos, discussing its role in IVF, accuracy, candidates, mosaicism, and the future of fertility treatments. Listen to the Episode
Key Policy Updates from the Office of Public Affairs
President Biden signs the FY25 NDAA, addressing military fertility care and reproductive health but sparking debate over IVF access and gender-affirming care policies.
ASRM Releases Congressional Scorecard
Discover ASRM's first Congressional scorecard, detailing positions of the 118th Congress on key reproductive legislation to guide ASRM members in elections.
View the Press Release
Fertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press Release
Nation’s Leading Professional Group for Fertility Care Professionals Calls for Passage of Right to IVF Act
ASRM applauds Majority Leader Schumer’s decision to seek reconsideration of the Right to IVF Act.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Vanquishing Multiples
Learn how a variety of factors such as geography, race, and the availability of comprehensive infertility mandates affect access to effective infertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
Trump Calls for IVF Coverage, California Legislature Sends IVF Mandate Bill to Governor
The California General Assembly approved a bill mandating most private health insurance plans to provide coverage for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release
Advocacy in Action
Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action
Get Vot-ER Ready This National Patient Advocacy Day!
Celebrate National Patient Advocacy Day by boosting civic engagement! Order your free Vot-ER badge to help patients register to vote and promote healthy communities.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Global Access to IVF and the Status of Women
Around the world, there are vast differences in the number of IVF cycles performed per capita. Learn why these differences exist. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
Progesterone supplementation during IVF
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. View the fact sheet
Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)
Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet
What do I need to know about conceiving after surgery on my Fallopian tubes?
Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet
Hydrosalpinx
The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab
Dr. Sangita Jindal, helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF
Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening. Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?
In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Listen to the Episode
Start with SART
The very first thing you should do when evaluating a clinic is verify that it is a member of SART. Watch Video
Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors
This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes. Watch Video
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)
This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility. View the Booklet
The Difference Between IUI and IVF
It is important to know Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In vitro fertilization (IVF) can both be successful at helping grow your family. Watch Video
Understanding the SART Clinic Report
During this video we will discuss the SART Clinic Report concepts and demonstrate some of the report features. Watch Video
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Kristen Ritchie's Story
I spent seven years navigating infertility, which was tumultuous but also a period of tremendous personal growth in hindsight. Read the story
In Vitro Fertilization Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics
SART FAQ About IVF
Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource
IVF Treatment Journey
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization.
View the Patient JourneyLGBTQIA
American Society for Reproductive Medicine Releases Fact Sheet on Biological Sex Differentiation
ASRM releases a new “Just the Facts” paper on biological sex, emphasizing scientific complexity and advocating for informed policymaking in reproductive medicine.
Fertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Reproductive Challenges Facing the LGBTQ Community
In this episode Dr. Mark Trolice speaks with Stacy Stevenson and Robert Terenzio on the infertility challenges facing the LGBTQ community. Listen to the Episode
Counseling Issues to Discuss With Gay Men and Lesbians Seeking Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
More lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and couples are deciding to have children. Many of these individuals and couples choosing to build a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have concerns about how to best nurture and protect their children. View the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - LGBTQ Fertility
With more available options for family building for the LGBTQ community, two women describe their experience with reciprocal IVF. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be. Listen to the Episode
Lis Regula's Story
My name is Lis (pronounced like “Lease”) and this is the fertility story of a trans man and two time surrogate. Read the story
LGBTQ+ Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of LGBTQ+ Fertility Considerations better. View the infographics
Just the Facts: Biological Sex
Biological sex is a complex, multidimensional construct influenced by anatomy, genetics, and hormones. Efforts to oversimplify it ignore scientific reality. View the advocacy resourceAccess to Care
SART Fertility Experts - Advocacy and Public Policy
Exploration of ART policy challenges, including Dobbs decision impacts, IVF threats, and advocacy strategies, highlighting bipartisan support and voter influence. Listen to the Episode
ASRM Hosts Briefing on New Fertility Benefits for Members of Congress and Congressional Staff
ASRM hosts a Capitol Hill briefing to raise awareness of new fertility benefits for Congress members and staff, highlighting expanded coverage for IVF and fertility treatments.
View the Press Release
ASRM Releases Congressional Scorecard
Discover ASRM's first Congressional scorecard, detailing positions of the 118th Congress on key reproductive legislation to guide ASRM members in elections.
View the Press Release
Advocacy in Action
Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action
SART Fertility Experts - Advocacy and Reproductive Access
Dr. Cristin Slater and Betsy Campbell from RESOLVE discuss: barriers to infertility care; opportunities to get infertility care; and recent trends. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Access To Care
Learn how a variety of factors such as geography, race, and the availability of comprehensive infertility mandates affect access to effective infertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Single Motherhood
We explore personal experiences that led to the creation of "Single Mothers by Choice" as well as considerations faced by those pursing single motherhood. Listen to the Episode
Access to Care Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Access to Care better. View the Infographics
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
