Becoming a parent is one of the most meaningful experiences in life. Yet for far too many New Yorkers, the ability to start or grow a family hinges less on love, readiness, or stability and far more on whether they can afford tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Infertility affects millions nationwide, but the cost burden of IVF in New York City is especially punishing. An IVF cycle can run $15,000 to $20,000, and many families require several rounds before they are successful. Even those lucky enough to qualify for New York State’s IVF Grant Program are often left with crushing out-of-pocket costs once insurance limits, high deductibles, and uncovered medications are tallied.
This is the quiet truth behind so many New Yorkers’ attempts to build a family: Even when medical hope exists, the financial reality can feel like a locked door. Working- and middle-class households, LGBTQ+ families, cancer survivors, and single parents by choice are hit hardest. Too many take on overwhelming debt, postpone care until their chances diminish, or walk away from their dream of becoming parents entirely…