Healey-Driscoll Administration Applauds VA's Expansion of IVF Access

Healey-Driscoll Administration Applauds VA's Expansion of IVF Access:

Boston, MA -- The Healey-Driscoll administration is applauding the announcement by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that it will soon be expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to eligible unmarried veterans and veterans in same-sex marriages. 

“No one should be denied the opportunity to build a family simply because they identify as LGBTQ+ or are unmarried – especially not veterans who have scarified everything to serve our country. We are grateful to see the VA take this important but long overdue step to expand access to IVF,” said Governor Maura  Healey. “Here in Massachusetts, we are leading the way at the state level by proposing to provide IVF reimbursement to LGBTQ+ veterans, which would make us the first state in the nation to do so.” 

“As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I know how important it is to ensure that our heroes have equitable access to benefits and resources,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  “This change by the VA is a long time coming, and I’m excited that more veterans will be able to have the family they’ve always dreamed of.” 

"In Massachusetts, we don't wait for change; we take swift action. We firmly believe that every veteran who has sacrificed for our country should have the opportunity to build a family without additional sacrifice. Today's announcement from the VA is a significant step forward, but it's important to recognize that this is an area where change is long overdue,” said Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Jon Santiago. “Massachusetts has always been a leader in justice and equality, and we are proud to have taken proactive steps to address this gap. Our HERO Act represents progress in filling this gap and advancing equity, ensuring that all veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation, receive the support they deserve." 

Earlier this year, Governor Healey introduced the HERO Act, the most comprehensive legislative package dedicated to veterans' welfare introduced by a Massachusetts Governor in two decades. Among the bill’s proposals is a a pilot program to provide IVF reimbursement to veterans in same-sex relationships while establishing a working group to explore long-term solutions in response to the federal policy excluding same-sex couples.