Whether I'm at work, at school, at home, or on vacation - I've met many wonderful people in North Carolina and I've had the opportunity to hear their stories. Unfortunately, many of these stories share the same struggle as I do, infertility.

Here are some quotes from CDC.gov on infertility:

'What is Infertility?'
"In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex...."

'Is infertility a common problem?'
"Yes. In the United States, among heterosexual women aged 15 to 49 years with no prior births, about 1 in 5 (19%) are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying (infertility). Also, about 1 in 4 (26%) women in this group have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term (impaired fecundity)..."

'Is infertility just a woman's problem?'
"No, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both men and women can contribute to infertility."

On 05/24/2018, Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] and Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] introduced the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act (H.R.5965 — 115th Congress). This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require private health insurance plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). The bill also extends coverage to federal employees, members of the U.S. military, and veterans. More details found here.

I recently reached out to Dr. Greg Murphy, urologist and politician representing North Carolina's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, to ask for his support in addressing the Board of Trustees for our State Health Plan about adding infertility services to our plan to help North Carolina residents in their fertility journey. I've also asked Dr. Greg Murphy to consider representing North Carolina by sponsoring the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act. As a urologist and a committee member of The Committee on Ways and Means, I'm hoping he'll be on board. As of right now Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-23], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5], and Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8] are the only representatives on record sponsoring this bill.

I'm starting this petition to show Dr. Greg Murphy, the State Health Plan's Board of Trustees (NC), and The Subcommittee on Health (The Committee on Ways and Means) that we are in NEED of infertility coverage in North Carolina.

You can show your support by signing this petition.
Petition picture credit to Health.com