January 25, 2017

Ranking Member Walz Statement On VA Rule To Authorize IVF For Veterans With Service-Connected Reproductive Injuries

Washington, DC – Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN) released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an interim final rule authorizing the VA to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to veterans with service-connected reproductive injuries and their spouses. The interim final rule authorizes IVF and ART treatments through the end of FY2018 and has the potential to be extended further.

Congress authorized the VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment using ART to veterans or their spouses when it passed the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act.

“I am pleased the VA has released this rule authorizing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproductive therapies for wounded veterans struggling with infertility because of service-connected injuries,” Rep. Walz said. “Now, these young veteran couples will finally be able to fulfill their dreams of starting a family.”

“For almost 25 years, the VA has been banned from covering the costs of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. During that time, thousands of veterans had to choose between covering the expensive costs of IVF themselves or giving up their hopes of having children entirely. The policy of restricting injured veterans access to IVF treatment was outdated, and out of touch with our veterans’ healthcare needs.

“This benefit is equal to what the Department of Defense offers our active-duty servicemembers, and it is only right that the men and women who have suffered such serious injuries in the defense of this nation are able to receive the benefits they have earned.