Press Releases

Nyack, N.Y. – 11/10/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted a press conference at Montefiore Nyack Hospital to raise awareness for the reintroduction of his IVF Access and Affordability Act, which provides up to a $40,000 federal tax credit to help families cover the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments.

WATCH: LAWLER LEADS PRESS CONFERENCE ON IVF ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY ACT

“From personal experience, I know just how vital access to life-giving fertility treatments is for folks looking to start or grow their families in the Hudson Valley. Family is at the heart of our communities, and for far too many couples, the dream of having a child is out of reach because of cost and lack of access. The IVF Access and Affordability Act is a practical, pro-family solution to help change that,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“Congressman Lawler has been a tremendous supporter of Montefiore Nyack Hospital and healthcare more broadly. Since joining Congress, the Congressman has been instrumental in passing legislation to support hospitals, emergency rooms, and their operations. He has worked to secure J-1 visas for healthcare workers from overseas, which are desperately needed, and has helped delay or forestall 340B legislation that could have had a significant impact. Additionally, he has worked on delaying the MCO tax to prevent negative effects on New York State, and he has helped postpone the implementation of the ACA essential plan to mitigate its impact. We are very grateful for his support over the years,” said Dr. Mark Geller, Chief Executive Officer of Montefiore Nyack Hospital. 

“I’m standing here representing hundreds of women who should really be here, women who have struggled, and continue to struggle, seeking every opportunity, wherever it may be, to build a family. As the Congressman said, the fact that IVF treatment will now be accessible not just to those who can afford it, but to everyone, is a major milestone. I want to thank Congressman Lawler for your vision, your heart, and for standing with women regardless of their ability to pay,” said Chanie Sternberg, President & CEO of RefuahHealth.

“The physical and emotional demands can be overwhelming: the daily medications, the procedures, the waiting, the disappointments. And when you add the financial strain on top of that, it can feel impossible. That’s why the Congressman’s initiative is so meaningful. By helping to ease the financial burden of fertility care, this proposal gives more families the chance to experience the joy of bringing a child into the world. This is not just about medicine or policy. It’s about hope, fairness, and the future of families like mine,” said Rena Fox, an OBGYN nurse and constituent who has utilized IVF services.

“IVF can be costly, and for many couples, this light of hope is often dimmed by financial barriers. Protecting this service and making it accessible to our communities is a cause worth fighting for. Family building should not be a privilege reserved for only a few. I want to congratulate Congressman Lawler for selecting such a worthy cause and for standing firmly behind it,” said Dr. Maria Emerson, a mother and Director of OBGYN, Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

“This is truly about families. It is critically important that this basic right is supported. The Montefiore Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees, and of course the Foundation, stand behind you in this effort to improve the quality of life by putting families first, not just in our region, but now across the country, to ensure this kind of legislation is passed. We are grateful to you for choosing Montefiore Nyack Hospital as the backdrop for this important healthcare announcement. Thank you, Congressman Lawler,” said Paul Adler, Chairman of the Montefiore Nyack Hospital Foundation.

PHOTOS: Photos from today’s press conference can be found HERE.

VIDEO: Remarks from today’s press conference can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of 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. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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