Today, May 19, 2025, marks the deadline for policy recommendations related to President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at enhancing access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing its costs. While his administration explores various ideas to boost birth rates—like baby bonuses and awards for motherhood—perhaps a more pressing focus should be on supporting military families, who often struggle to grow theirs.
As a representative from San Diego, which is the largest military community in the U.S., I feel proud to advocate for 110,000 active service members and over 118,000 families living here. I’ve heard firsthand about their everyday challenges—rent, childcare, safety concerns, and notably, issues surrounding infertility.
One example is Matt, a senior registered sailor, who told me about how he and his wife, Jenny, were able to have two daughters through IVF.
It’s important to note that around a quarter of active service members and their spouses report experiencing infertility, which is double the national average. This reality resonates when we consider what they sacrifice.
These service members undergo intense training, face demanding schedules, and move around frequently during their prime reproductive years. Long deployments often separate them from their partners, adding emotional strain. Furthermore, the military lifestyle can involve dangerous conditions that might impact fertility.
Despite these well-known challenges, Tricare, the military’s health insurance, only covers fertility services for those who can demonstrate a connection due to service-related injuries or illnesses. This leaves military families in a tough spot: either pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for starting a family or leave the military altogether.
The economic situation is tough for everyone, but military families—living on fixed incomes—face unique struggles related to childcare, housing, and food costs. They often cannot afford tens of thousands in out-of-pocket expenses, which has led some to exit the military, further complicating recruitment and retention issues.
These families deserve access to IVF. That’s why I introduced the “IVF for Military Families” initiative alongside Senator Tammy Duckworth. It advocates for Tricare to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. Our proposed law would allow for several egg retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers, and necessary medications for IVF and IUI.
From this year onwards, congressional members and their staff will be eligible for comprehensive fertility treatments, including IVF coverage, just like many in the private sector. The irony is striking—military families lack the same access to benefits. Unfortunately, our bill still lacks the backing of Republican colleagues in Congress.
While I have my doubts regarding Trump’s dedication to expanding IVF access—given his self-proclaimed titles like “fertilized president”—he should lend his support to those who have sacrificed for the nation: our military families.
Ultimately, improving IVF coverage under Tricare could be a pivotal moment in making these treatments accessible nationwide, potentially pushing private insurers to include IVF in their plans as well.
It’s crucial to recognize the sacrifices made by our service members. We ask them to risk their safety and separate from their families; they shouldn’t also have to give up the chance to start one. As a nation, we must do more than just express our appreciation; we need to take meaningful action. Supporting our bill would be an important step in that direction.
