National Infertility Awareness Week 2024: Leave Your Mark
For Immediate Release
Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a federally recognized health observance founded to increase awareness of a common obstacle to family building that deserves national attention.
The World Health Organization estimates roughly 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility, and this statistic does not include LGBTQ+ couples and people choosing to parent without a partner.
ASRM believes that family building is a fundamental human right, including for those who need the help of assisted reproductive treatments to grow their family. According to a recent CBS News poll, 86% of Americans polled think that IVF should remain legal and accessible. We use this week to show lawmakers that infertility affects their constituents and to urge them to pass coverage of and protections for infertility care. We invite our members and others in the fertility space to do the same.
This year’s theme is Leave Your Mark. Advocating for providers and patients is important year-round, but public support is especially important during National Infertility Awareness Week, particularly in the face of ongoing threats to IVF across the country. Be loud, be visible, and #LeaveYourMark!
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
Press Releases
Check out these press releases as wellASRM Files Amicus Brief in Texas Embryo Case
ASRM has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Antoun v Antoun, which is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.
Survey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
IVF-assisted pregnancies constitute 2.5% of all births in 2022
In 2022, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. This means that 2.5% of births in the US are a result of ART.
ASRM provides testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee on threats facing IVF
ASRM shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee the dangers to reproductive medicine nearly two years after the Dobbs decision.
The News from ASRM
Latest News
An indispensable news digest for reproductive scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals. The Latest News posts are available to ASRM members in good standing only.
ASRM Press Releases/Bulletins
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the press and Society members of important recent developments.
Legally Speaking Column
Legally Speaking is a column highlighting recent court decisions affecting the assisted reproductive technologies and the families they create, written by Susan L. Crockin, J.D. and guest authors who offer unique perspectives and expertise on significant legal topics.
Topic Resources
June 5, 2024, 3:00 PM CT - Reconnecting to Our Purpose to Keep Moving Fertility Forward
This webinar will use music and hand massage to promote healing and community amongst the participants. Register for the webinarAdvocacy in Action: April 2024
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in ActionSurvey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseLeave Your Mark! NIAW April 21-27
National Infertility Awareness Week Action Round-Up Click here to leave your mark during NIAW2024ASRM Today: ASRM Policy Matters: Post-Alabama IVF decision advocacy roundup with Jessie Losch
Jessie Losch, ASRM Government Affairs Manager, updates ASRM Today on the advocacy efforts underway post the Alabama Supreme Court decision. Listen to the EpisodeASRM provides testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee on threats facing IVF
ASRM shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee the dangers to reproductive medicine nearly two years after the Dobbs decision.
View the Press ReleaseA Message from the Office of Public Affairs
ASRM is already pushing for legislation in Congress and the states to protect IVF. It requires resources to analyze and advocate for or against these bills. Help ASRM Protect IVFASRM reacts to Alabama legislation
We are pleased that the legislation passed into law by the Alabama General Assembly will at least allow our members in the state to care for their patients.
View the Press ReleaseIVF at the SOTU: Fertility care expected to be major focus at State of the Union
Protecting access to IVF care is expected to be a major theme of the State of the Union on Thursday.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Files Request for Rehearing with Alabama Supreme Court
On Friday, March 1, the appellees in this case filed a request for rehearing with the Alabama Supreme Court. Read about the Amicus BriefUpdate on ASRM's Efforts to Protect IVF
As the situation in Alabama following LePage v Mobile Infirmary, Inc. continues to quickly evolve, we want to ensure you stay apprised of ASRM’s efforts. Read about Advocacy in ActionEthical considerations for telemedical delivery of fertility care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Telemedicine has the potential to increase access to and decrease the cost of care. View the Committee OpinionASRM Responds to Proposed Alabama Legislation
We are proud of our Alabama members and their patients, who have been such incredible advocates working to motivate their legislators to protect IVF.
View the Press ReleaseSenate Budget Hearing is Well Timed Following Alabama IVF Ruling
ASRM statement regarding the Senate Budget Committee’s hearing entitled: No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Responds to Senate’s Failure to Pass Access to Family Building Act
We are disappointed by the Senate’s failure to meet the moment and pass federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseAlabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos are “Unborn Children” and admonishes IVF’s “Wild West” treatment
Legally Speaking™ on presenting facts and reflecting on the impact and potential implications of legal developments in ART. View the ColumnREBROADCAST - ASRM Today: The Inclusive Family History Project with Serena Chen and Lori Metz
In this episode from ASRM 2023 in New Orleans, Dr. Serena Chen and Lori Metz fill us in on the Inclusive Family History Project. Listen to the EpisodeASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama
In LePage v Mobile Infirmary Clinic, the Alabama Supreme Court made a decision that flies in the face of medical reality and the needs of the citizens.
View the Press ReleaseASRM's CPL Announces Selections for the 2024 Cohort of the PRIMED Scholars Advocacy Program
We were inundated with interest in this program from across ASRM’s membership and are excited to welcome the members of this year’s cohort. Read the press releaseFertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: January 2024
Topics include the association between thick endometrium with pregnancy hypertensive disorders. state insurance mandates and racial inequities in ART. Listen to the EpisodeASRM applauds introduction of Access to Family Building Act of 2024
ASRM is thrilled by the introduction of the Access to Family Building Act
View the Press ReleaseJune 2023 ASRM Policy Briefing
Find out what the Office of Public Affairs has been doing to influence access to care and reproductive medicine legislation. View the videoCross-border reproductive care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Cross-border reproductive care is a growing worldwide phenomenon, raising questions about why assisted reproductive technology patients travel for care. View the Ethics Committee DocumentReproductive and infertility care in times of public health crises: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Public health crises often require a framework shift in which patient autonomy is balanced with the need to safeguard the health of the community. View the Committee opinionDisparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
In the United States, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, and other disparities prevent access to fertility treatment and affect treatment outcomes. View the Committee OpinionAccess to fertility treatment irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
The statement concludes that individuals and couples should have access to fertility services irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. View the Committee OpinionLeadership in Access to Care Course
ASRM Academy introduces the Leadership in Access to Care Course – your opportunity to learn how to address the gaps in reproductive and infertility care. Learn more about the Leadership in Access to Care CourseAccess to Care Special Interest Group (ATCSIG)
The Access To Care Special Interest Group's purpose is to foster the growth of knowledge among the ASRM membership and the medical community regarding the unmet needs that exist today in access to reproductive care Learn more about the Special Interest GroupWhat support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resourceIt takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resourceAdvocacy Resources
ASRM has prepared resources to help explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. View the advocacy resourcesPatient Advocacy Grant
The ASRM Patient Advocacy Grants Program awards funds to patient advocacy organizations to support advocacy efforts and educational programs for patients. View more information about the patient advocacy grantTopic Resources
June 5, 2024, 3:00 PM CT - Reconnecting to Our Purpose to Keep Moving Fertility Forward
This webinar will use music and hand massage to promote healing and community amongst the participants. Register for the webinarSurvey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseInfertility Awareness
In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), we have rounded up some of our resources on infertility. View infertility resourcesLeave Your Mark! NIAW April 21-27
National Infertility Awareness Week Action Round-Up Click here to leave your mark during NIAW2024Tobacco or marijuana use and infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
In the United States, approximately 21% of adults report some form of tobacco use, although 18% report marijuana use. View Committee OpinionJournal Club Global: The future of REI Fellowship training: debating opportunities and threats
This exciting collaboration discusses the controversy and future directions for the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility medicine. View the VideoJournal Club Global: Infertility and Subclinical Hypothyroidism
The impact of treating SCH on fertility, obstetric outcomes, and offspring neurocognitive development is debated in the literature. View the VideoASRM reacts to Alabama legislation
We are pleased that the legislation passed into law by the Alabama General Assembly will at least allow our members in the state to care for their patients.
View the Press ReleaseIVF at the SOTU: Fertility care expected to be major focus at State of the Union
Protecting access to IVF care is expected to be a major theme of the State of the Union on Thursday.
View the Press ReleaseEthical obligations in fertility treatment when intimate partners withhold information from each other: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Clinicians should encourage disclosure between intimate partners but should maintain confidentiality where there is no harm to the partner and/or offspring. View the Committee OpinionEthical considerations for telemedical delivery of fertility care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Telemedicine has the potential to increase access to and decrease the cost of care. View the Committee OpinionASRM Responds to Proposed Alabama Legislation
We are proud of our Alabama members and their patients, who have been such incredible advocates working to motivate their legislators to protect IVF.
View the Press ReleaseSenate Budget Hearing is Well Timed Following Alabama IVF Ruling
ASRM statement regarding the Senate Budget Committee’s hearing entitled: No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Responds to Senate’s Failure to Pass Access to Family Building Act
We are disappointed by the Senate’s failure to meet the moment and pass federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseWhat's New from the Fertility and Sterility Family of Journals
ASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama
In LePage v Mobile Infirmary Clinic, the Alabama Supreme Court made a decision that flies in the face of medical reality and the needs of the citizens.
View the Press ReleaseNEW from ASRM Academy: Basic Infertility for Healthcare Providers
ASRM is proud to introduce our updated course: Basic Infertility for Healthcare Providers. Learn more with an overview from Instructional Designer, Harriet Smith, MEdWhat's New from the Fertility and Sterility Family of Journals
Here’s a peek at this month’s issues from our family of journals! As an ASRM Member, you can access all of our journals. Not yet a member? Click here(no link) to learn more. Find MoreASRM applauds introduction of Access to Family Building Act of 2024
ASRM is thrilled by the introduction of the Access to Family Building Act
View the Press ReleaseResource Roundup: Thyroid Health
January is Thyroid Health Awareness Month! View the resource roundup!Definition of infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
‘‘Infertility’’ is a disease, condition, or status characterized by several factors. View the Committee OpinionDiagnostic evaluation of sexual dysfunction in the male partner in the setting of infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
It is the responsibility of the clinician to assess for erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, or diminished libido in men presenting for infertility. View the Committee OpinionJournal Club Global - Actualización en la suplementación con progesterona en fase lútea para transferencias de embriones congelados
Efectividad del rescate de progesterona en mujeres que presentan niveles bajos de progesterona circulante alrededor del día de la transferencia de embriones View the VideoEndometriosis and infertility: a committee opinion (2012)
Women with endometriosis typically present with pelvic pain, infertility, or an adnexal mass, and may require surgery. View the Committee OpinionThe International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017†‡§ (2017)
Terms and definitions currently used infertility care, infertility and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) can have different meanings that are dependent upon the setting, their usage in research or clinical interventions, or among diverse populations.View the Committee Joint Guideline
Post Vasectomy Infertility
If a husband has had a vasectomy, does the sterilization code apply to the wife's visits? View the AnswerPregnancy Of Uncertain Viability Ultrasound
My staff is telling me that I am getting reimbursed for the first sonogram and OB visit (using ICD 10 code for pregnancy of uncertain viability – O36.80X0. View the AnswerPregnancy Ultrasound
Our practice does routine ultrasounds (sac check- 76817) at the end of an IVF cycle and bill with a diagnosis code O09.081, pregnancy resulting from ART. View the AnswerSelf-referred New Patient
A patient self-refers to our physician for an initial new patient consultation instead of referred by another physician, how do we code for the consult? View the AnswerTelephone Consult
Does a physician need to speak directly to a patient to code for a telephone consult (99371-99373) or can a staff member relay physician notes to patients? View the AnswerTesting With No History of Infertility
What diagnosis codes should providers submit to insurance carriers while trying to evaluate fertility issues? View the AnswerPsychological Evaluation
Many REs require patients (and their spouses/partners) who are considering using donor gametes to see an infertility counselor first. View the AnswerSurgery Coding
I took the ASRM coding course, and in that course, coding for bilateral neosalpingostomies was coded using only a dx of N70.11 (hydrosalpinx). View the AnswerIUI or IVF
Should other ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.8) or unspecified ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.9) can be used for an IUI or an IVF cycle View the AnswerInfertility Consult
Does ASRM have any examples of evaluation and management documentation for patients being seen for an initial infertility evaluation? View the AnswerInfertility Consult by Nurse
What code is used for a nurse practitioner seeing a fertility patient for the first time? View the AnswerInitial Visit for Infertility With No Mandated Coverage
What code would be appropriate for an initial visit for infertility? View the AnswerMonitoring E&M
Our group would like to know if others are billing an evaluation and management code for ultrasound and blood draw visits? View the AnswerNew vs Established Patient
How soon can you bill as a new infertility patient? View the AnswerGeneral E&M Consult
Recently we have received a “re-code” on a new patient (we billed a 99203 and the insurance re-coded it to a 99213). View the AnswerHysteroscopy Recurrent Implantation Failure
What is the appropriate ICD-10 code for recurrent implantation failure? View the AnswerDiagnosis of Infertility for IVF Procedure
How important is it to have accurate documentation of the type of infertility diagnosis for IVF procedures? View the AnswerDiagnostic Testing of an Infertile Couple
The Z31.41 is or is not the correct code to use for diagnostic testing of an infertile couple? And If so can if be used as the primary and only code? View the AnswerD&C Under Ultrasound Guidance
What are the CPT codes and ICD-10 codes for coding a surgical case for a patient with history of Stage B adenocarcinoma of the cervix ... View the AnswerBlood Draws
If a patient comes in only for a blood draw (venipuncture) and is seen only by the lab technician (not an MD, PA, or NP), may we bill for a (minimal) office visit? View the AnswerBlood Tests
Patients are requesting to have lab work drawn from the female patient moved to the males account due to the female fertility coverage being maxed out. View the AnswerMale Infertility
A summary of common codes for Male Infertility compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding SummaryASRM müllerian anomalies classification 2021
The Task Force set goals for a new classification and chose to base it on the iconic AFS classification from 1988 because of its simplicity and recognizability. View the Committee OpinionIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for non–male factor indications: a committee opinion (2020)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is frequently used in combination with assisted reproductive technologies. View the Committee DocumentMoving innovation to practice: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
The introduction of new strategies, tests, and procedures into clinical practice raises challenging ethical issues. View the Committee OpinionFertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion (2021)
Diagnostic evaluation for infertility in women should be conducted in a systematic, expeditious, and cost-effective manner. View the Committee OpinionFertility treatment when the prognosis is very poor or futile: an Ethics Committee opinion (2019)
The Ethics Committee recommends that in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers develop patient-centered policies regarding requests for futile treatment. View the Committee OpinionUse of exogenous gonadotropins for ovulation induction in anovulatory women: a committee opinion (2020)
Pretreatment evaluation, indications, treatment regimens, and complications of gonadotropin treatment. View the Committee OpinionReproductive and hormonal considerations in women at increased risk for hereditary gynecologic cancers: Society of Gynecologic Oncology and American Society for Reproductive Medicine Evidence-Based Review (2019)
Providers who care for women at risk for hereditary gynecologic cancers must consider the impact of these conditions. View the Joint StatementGuidance for Providers Caring for Women and Men Of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure (Updated 2019)
This ASRM guidance specifically addresses Zika virus infection issues and concerns of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). View the GuidelineCurrent recommendations for vaccines for female infertility patients: a committee opinion (2018)
Encounters for infertility care are opportunities to assess and update immunization status. View the Committee OpinionAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine position statement on uterus transplantation: a committee opinion (2018)
Following the birth of the first child from a transplanted uterus in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2014, other centers worldwide have produced scientific reports. View the Committee OpinionChild-rearing ability and the provision of fertility services: an Ethics Committee opinion (2017)
Fertility programs may withhold services from prospective patients on the basis of well-grounded reasons that those patients will be unable to provide minimally adequate or safe care for offspring. View the Committee OpinionRemoval of myomas in asymptomatic patients to improve fertility and/or reduce miscarriage rate: a guideline (2017)
This review evaluates if uterine myomas impact likelihood of pregnancy and pregnancy loss, and if myomectomy influences pregnancy outcomes. View the GuidelineSubclinical hypothyroidism in the infertile female population: a guideline (2015)
There is controversy regarding whether to treat subtle abnormalities of thyroid dysfunction in the infertile female patient. View the Committee GuidelineImproving the Reporting of Clinical Trials of Infertility Treatments (IMPRINT): modifying the CONSORT statement (2014)
Clinical trials testing infertility treatments often do not report on the major outcomes of interest to patients and clinicians and the public. View the GuidelineTopic Resources
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: April 2024
Topics include: IVF in film, a rat model of fallopian tube torsion, comparing letrozole regimens for PCOS, and a review of chronic endometritis. Listen to the EpisodeASRM Files Amicus Brief in Texas Embryo Case
ASRM has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Antoun v Antoun, which is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.
View the Press ReleaseSurvey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseASRM Today: ASRM Policy Matters: Post-Alabama IVF decision advocacy roundup with Jessie Losch
Jessie Losch, ASRM Government Affairs Manager, updates ASRM Today on the advocacy efforts underway post the Alabama Supreme Court decision. Listen to the EpisodeIVF-assisted pregnancies constitute 2.5% of all births in 2022
In 2022, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. This means that 2.5% of births in the US are a result of ART.
View the Press ReleaseFertility and Sterility On Air - Live from PCRS 2024
Fertility & Sterility on Air brings you the highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society. Listen to the EpisodeFertility and Sterility On Air - Seminal Article: Dr. Jeremy Applebaum
Listen to this interview featuring Dr. Jeremy Applebaum, who recently published "Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF" Listen to the EpisodeASRM provides testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee on threats facing IVF
ASRM shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee the dangers to reproductive medicine nearly two years after the Dobbs decision.
View the Press ReleaseFertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: March 2024
Topics this month include the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF, the "freeze-all" strategy in women with adenomyosis, and more. Listen to the EpisodeASRM reacts to Alabama legislation
We are pleased that the legislation passed into law by the Alabama General Assembly will at least allow our members in the state to care for their patients.
View the Press ReleaseIVF at the SOTU: Fertility care expected to be major focus at State of the Union
Protecting access to IVF care is expected to be a major theme of the State of the Union on Thursday.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Responds to Proposed Alabama Legislation
We are proud of our Alabama members and their patients, who have been such incredible advocates working to motivate their legislators to protect IVF.
View the Press ReleaseSenate Budget Hearing is Well Timed Following Alabama IVF Ruling
ASRM statement regarding the Senate Budget Committee’s hearing entitled: No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Responds to Senate’s Failure to Pass Access to Family Building Act
We are disappointed by the Senate’s failure to meet the moment and pass federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseAlabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos are “Unborn Children” and admonishes IVF’s “Wild West” treatment
Legally Speaking™ on presenting facts and reflecting on the impact and potential implications of legal developments in ART. View the ColumnASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama
In LePage v Mobile Infirmary Clinic, the Alabama Supreme Court made a decision that flies in the face of medical reality and the needs of the citizens.
View the Press ReleaseFertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: February 2024
Topics this month include the optimial AMH level in oocyte donors, the role of mean number of DNA breakpoints (MDB) in sperm DNA integrity, and more. Listen to the EpisodePrevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline (2023)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication associatedwith assisted reproductive technology. View the guidelineFertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: January 2024
Topics this month include: HCG as a predictor of pregnancy outcome after IVF, progestin ovulation suppression and embryo development, and more. Listen to the EpisodeASRM applauds introduction of Access to Family Building Act of 2024
ASRM is thrilled by the introduction of the Access to Family Building Act
View the Press Release