Veterans Fight for Access to Fertility Treatments Amidst Service-Related Infertility
As service members transition to civilian life, many embark on a new mission: starting a family. However, for individuals like Jacquelyne Nichols, a former Marine Corps pilot, and her husband, conceiving a child has become an arduous journey, compounded by the challenges of infertility potentially linked to military service.
Nichols, who served for 11 years, finds herself navigating the complexities of fertility treatments after returning home from deployment in 2018. Despite qualifying for coverage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), she describes the process as a constant battle, highlighting the hurdles veterans face in accessing necessary care.
The plight of Nichols and others like her underscores a broader push within the veteran community to expand the availability of fertility care. Infertility rates among service members are reported to be significantly higher than the general population, yet access to comprehensive treatments remains limited, with veterans often required to demonstrate a service-related cause for their infertility.
In response to mounting pressure, the VA and the Defense Department have taken steps to broaden eligibility criteria for fertility benefits. However, advocates argue that the requirement to prove service-connected infertility remains a significant barrier, hindering many from accessing the care they need.
Renée Mihail, an Army veteran and advocate, contends that while establishing a direct link between military service and infertility can be challenging, many service members are exposed to environmental hazards that may impair fertility. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive support for veterans facing fertility challenges, citing the precedent set by the recognition of Agent Orange exposure's long-term effects.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, herself a veteran who underwent IVF to conceive, is leading legislative efforts to expand access to fertility benefits for service members and veterans. However, political obstacles, including concerns over the cost of such measures, have slowed progress in Congress.
As the debate over fertility benefits for veterans unfolds, the lawsuit filed by the National Organization for Women-New York City against the Pentagon and the VA serves as a pivotal moment in advocating for comprehensive care. With oral arguments forthcoming, the outcome of the case may signal a significant shift in policies affecting veterans' reproductive rights.
In the face of ongoing challenges, veterans like Jacquelyne Nichols remain steadfast in their pursuit of equitable access to fertility treatments, determined to ensure that those who serve their country can also realize their dreams of parenthood.
