United States IVF Usage Increases in 2023, Leads to Over 95,000 Babies Born

The week of April 20th is National Infertility Awareness Week (hence the photos you may have noticed on social media of people wearing orange in honor of this week). Orange is used for National Infertility Awareness Week because it symbolizes hope, support, and a brighter future for those impacted by infertility. National Infertility Awareness Week raises awareness with legislators and the public that infertility is an issue that affects many and deserves comprehensive health care coverage. The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by infertility, not including LGBTQ+ couples and individuals choosing to parent without a partner who may need assisted reproductive medical treatments like IVF to start and grow their families.

On April 24, 2025, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (“SART”) (www.sart.org)  released its annual national and clinic-specific data on the use of assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Interested patients and potential patients can access clinic-specific data for every SART member clinic through the SART website at www.sart.org. [asrm.informz.net]

Below are the key findings from SART’s most recent 2023 report:

• In 2023, the number of babies born from IVF increased, rising from 91,771 in 2022 to 95,860 in the latest round of reporting and accounting for 2.6% of births in the United States.

• The total number of IVF cycles performed at the 371 reporting SART member clinics increased from 389,993 in 2022 to 432,641 in 2023.

• The percent of singleton births from IVF cycles remained high at 96.74%, similar to 2022.

The importance of this data demonstrates how many people are helped by IVF and assisted reproductive technology. The disease of infertility is far-reaching, and it is concerning to many that the current administration and current political climate may jeopardize access to IVF treatment.

Insurance Coverage for IVF

It is critical that people who need access to IVF have such rights.  For example, people heavily rely on health insurance providing coverage for portions of the IVF treatment due to the high cost of treatment.  Every insurance coverage policy is different and it is important to understand your insurance plan and focus on what is a covered and not covered benefit.  According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, as of April 2025, 22 states plus Washington DC have passed fertility insurance coverage laws, 15 of those laws include IVF coverage, and 18 states have fertility preservation laws for iatrogenic (medically-induced) infertility. Medicaid has limited benefits for certain fertility related treatment as well.

Importance of Favorable Laws Pertaining to IVF and Third Party Assisted Reproduction

With reproductive rights now determined by state governments after the reversal of Roe v. Wade (Dobbs v. Jackson), the future of IVF is at risk. It’s important that state laws regarding third party assisted reproduction such as surrogacy, sperm/egg/embryo donation, and step parent/second parent adoptions remain favorable to all people (single, same sex, unmarried people, etc.), and that the states do not grant personhood status to frozen embryos which has major negative repercussions for those seeking IVF treatment. As demonstrated in the Alabama case where the Alabama court granted personhood status to frozen embryos, this had a ripple effect essentially shutting down IVF treatment in Alabama and personhood status for embryos could result in IVF becoming inaccessible, unaffordable and out of reach for those who need it.

An incredible resource for those wanting to make a difference with infertility rights is Resolve, the National Infertility Association (www.resolve.org). Resolve’s mission includes the following:

◊ Access to Care

◊ Advocacy for Coverage

◊ Access to Support & Community

◊ Access to Education

◊ Awareness of All Family Building Options

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Check out my video here discussing this topic further: CLICK HERE!

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