When I became a Congresswoman at 31, I chose to freeze my eggs.
I’m fortunate that I had the opportunity to access these services, but it’s wildly expensive - and for most Americans, paying out of pocket isn’t an option.
I want to make sure that everyone - including and especially our service members and veterans - has the ability to create their own families when and how it is best for them.
Right now, current rules at the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense make it difficult for most veterans and service members to access these services, even when they’re technically eligible. And people who are unmarried or are part of same-sex couples are excluded entirely.
It’s time to address these benefit gaps and change the outdated regulations excluding so many from accessing care - which is why I’m so proud to co-lead the Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023.
This legislation would open access to more people and expand fertility treatments and family-building services that are covered under service members’ and veterans’ health care - including the option to freeze their eggs or sperm ahead of deployment and in vitro fertilization for those who are unable to conceive without assistance.
The bill will expand access to recognize the diversity of American families, ensuring that veterans’ and service members’ spouses, partners, and surrogates - as well as unmarried veterans and service members whose partners are infertile, the same sex, or unable to provide gametes (egg cells or sperm) - are appropriately included in eligibility rules. This bill will also expand adoption assistance at the VA, providing more family-building options for veterans with infertility.
More than anything else, it’s clear that current benefits fail to meet the needs of most service members and veterans.
I believe signing up to serve your country shouldn’t mean you’re signing away your dreams to have a family. If you agree, please add your name in support of the Veteran Families Health Services Act right now so I know you’re on board.
This legislation is one way we can give back to those who’ve given so much.
-Sara
