Did Your State Score an ‘F’ on This Fertility Report Card?
Some believe that it takes a village to raise a child — but what if your “village” is ill-equipped to even help conceive one? Thanks to RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association’s fertility scorecard, people who have fertility issues can see if their state is supporting them with the proper care.
The scoring algorithm shown on the group’s infographic is comprised of these factors:
- Number of peer-led RESOLVE support groups in state for people with fertility issues
- Number of physicians specializing in infertility in state, at Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies-accredited fertility clinics
- Number of women in state who have experienced physical difficulty conceiving
- Insurance mandate information in each state
Based off of the data, Alaska, New Hampshire and Wyoming received F’s, and Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey received A’s. Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and West Virginia received D’s.
“Not everyone needs IVF, but if their diagnosis requires IVF, or surgery or drug intervention, we would want all of those covered," said Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE. “People look at infertility and say, ‘Well, you’re not going to die from it.’ It’s a medical condition where the reproductive system doesn’t work, whether it’s on the male’s or the female’s part. There are a lot of things covered that make your health and life so much better, but they aren’t life-saving treatments. The ability to reproduce is one of the most basic human desires and functions. Why can’t we help fix the reproductive system?”
Do you live in a state that received an F or an A? If so, do you agree with the grade?
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
