Bipartisan Fertility Abundance Agenda Proposed to Expand IVF Access

Ruxandra Teslo, a genomics researcher, has called for a "bipartisan fertility abundance agenda" in a recent New York Times opinion piece, advocating for policies to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing more accessible. The proposal, highlighted by Stefan Schubert on social media, seeks to enable women to build families on their own terms by modernizing fertility care systems. Teslo's article, published on November 17, 2025, emphasizes the need for structural reforms beyond recent political announcements.

Teslo's call comes amidst ongoing challenges in fertility care, where high costs and inconsistent insurance coverage often render IVF unattainable for many. She noted that only about a quarter of large firms offered IVF coverage in 2024, with egg freezing even less common. This situation persists despite the existence of technologies to support fertility, which remain prohibitively expensive and inconsistently effective.

The proposed "fertility abundance agenda" outlines several key interventions to expand access and improve outcomes. These include increasing federal investment in reproductive science, expanding insurance coverage for IVF and fertility preservation, and investing in workforce development for fertility specialists. Additionally, Teslo advocates for requiring consistent lab accreditation and quality standards, alongside more rigorous reporting on clinic outcomes.

Teslo argues that such an agenda holds appeal across the political spectrum. For conservatives, it aligns with pro-family values and addresses concerns about declining birth rates. For progressives, it advances the goal of making high-quality reproductive healthcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring women can pursue family formation without compromising their autonomy or careers.

The researcher's perspective underscores a societal need to treat fertility as a legitimate part of healthcare. She states that a society valuing families should not make the ability to have children a "test of luck or wealth," advocating for a system that supports women in building both full lives and families. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between women's biological timelines and their personal and professional ambitions.