Noting that it is National Infertility Awareness Week, on Tuesday, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, teamed up on a resolution “affirming a congressional commitment to address infertility, including its causes, diagnoses, treatment, and costs.”
Wasserman Schultz offered her reasons for introducing the resolution.
“Infertility affects millions of American families,” said Wasserman Schultz on Tuesday. “Bringing a child into the world is truly a blessing. And that possibility should be available for anyone who truly want to start a family. I know from my own infertility experience that in order to realize that goal, we must better understand infertility and how it affects individuals and families to more effectively advocate for sensible solutions. This resolution is a first step, and one that addresses what infertility is, who it impacts and how, and what we as legislators need to focus on moving forward. It clearly states that Congress needs to work toward developing bipartisan, commonsense policies on this issue so we can ultimately mitigate the burden on individuals, couples, and families. I’m very proud to be a part of that solution.”
“Wasserman Schultz, who utilized IVF to conceive her twin son and daughter, has long fought to expand access to infertility treatment. In 2001, then-state Sen. Wasserman Schultz introduced SB 464, legislation requiring insurance plans to cover costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Recently, as chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, she held a hearing to address the challenges facing veterans in accessing fertility services,” her office noted.
The resolution was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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