Press Releases

Valhalla, NY - 8/2/2024… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler held a press conference with local residents at the Westchester Medical Center to unveil crucial legislation expanding access to IVF for New York families. The IVF Access and Affordability Act will create a tax credit – $20,000 for individuals and $40,000 for couples filing jointly – for assisted reproductive technology expenses, providing much-needed relief for those relying on costly fertility treatments to build families. 

"In Congress, I’ve been proud to take bold action, becoming just the second Republican lawmaker to sign onto Rep. Susan Wild’s bill, the Access to Family Building Act, which would codify federal protections for IVF," said Congressman Lawler. "I’ve also joined a group of my bipartisan colleagues in putting forth the HOPE with Fertility Services Act, which requires private insurance companies to cover treatments for infertility. There are a number of creative solutions to ensure IVF access and affordability for families, and I am proud to represent the Hudson Valley in supporting these valiant efforts."

"On a personal level, my wife and I have gone through challenges along the way to build our own family, and for so many families across the Hudson Valley and across New York and across the country, getting pregnant is a challenge," Congressman Lawler continued. "For many, access to IVF is critical towards ensuring they are able to enjoy parenthood and to bring life into this world."

"I'd thank Congressman Lawler for introducing this legislation that would have a tremendous impact on many women and families I work with over the years," said Carol, a former OBGYN nurse of 25 years. "A $40,000 tax credit for families pursuing fertility services would have been life-changing and would have allowed many families to keep trying for the precious gift of a child. Thank you, Congressman, for being so common sense and fighting for pro-family policies like this one. I'm glad to be represented by someone committed to common sense."

"This is not only near and dear to my heart but it's something that a lot of couples do face and they don't speak about," said Nicole, a Putnam County resident who experienced the joy of childbirth thanks to IVF. "With this bill, you would be changing the outcome of the future families and would be providing hope for those who are going through infertility. I went through lots of testing, appointments, medications, procedures to get to stand here today and say this should not be a financial burden on couples. When experiencing infertility, you already feel as if your heart is taken out of your body and someone is stepping on it all day. You have no idea what your future looks like, not sure if you will get to the light at the end of the tunnel, and sometimes question if there even is one. Fertility treatment and IVF is the light at the end of the tunnel for many."

The IVF Access and Affordability Act is endorsed by the Greater New York Hospital Association, the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, and Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America.

"This important bill addresses a longstanding challenge facing too many New Yorkers: access to affordable fertility treatments," said Greater New York Hospital Association President Kenneth E. Raske. "Congressman Lawler’s IVF Access and Affordability Act provides significant Federal tax credits to help ensure access to assisted reproductive technologies. The hospital community applauds Congressman Lawler for his leadership on this crucial issue."

"This tax credit for fertility treatments will help many people access medical options and support to help them grow their families," said the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. "This legislation has come at a critical time and will help individuals to offset the costs of this fundamental and pro-family medical treatment. We urge you to support this legislation so that access to IVF and other necessary forms of fertility treatment are accessible and equitable."

"Too many families, including many Jewish families, feel heartbroken and helpless in their journey towards parenthood because of infertility challenges. Hadassah supports a wide array of options to make infertility treatments more accessible, including the tax credits outlined in the IVF Access and Affordability Act and insurance coverage," said Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz. "We commend Representatives Lawler for introducing legislation that will help make infertility treatments more attainable for more American families."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

Video from today's press conference can be viewed HERE.