VA expands IVF access to single veterans, same-sex couples
Newsy
The previous VA law required veterans who want to access IVF care to be married and able to produce gametes.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is removing many of its restrictions regarding IVF benefits, allowing unmarried veterans and those in same-sex relationships access to expanded care for the first time.
Current law requires all veterans using the VA's IVF services to be unable to procreate without the help of fertility treatments because of a health condition caused by their military service. It also could only provide the services to legally married veterans who could produce gametes — or both eggs and sperm — within their relationship.
Now with the revised policy, announced Monday, eligible veterans can access IVF benefits no matter their marital status or if they need to use donor eggs, sperm or embryos to conceive.
The VA said the expanded care rules are a critical step in helping veterans who are unable to produce embryos due to service-connected injuries and health conditions, as well as part of its continuing efforts to help veterans wishing to grow their families.
"Raising a family is a wonderful thing, and I'm proud that VA will soon help more veterans have that opportunity," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. "This expansion of care has long been a priority for us, and we are working urgently to make sure that eligible unmarried veterans, veterans in same-sex marriages and veterans who need donors will have access to IVF in every part of the country as soon as possible."
