For the first time, more than 100,000 babies were born through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in the U.S. in a single year.
The data comes from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), highlighting the continued demand for fertility care nationwide. SART calls its findings a “major milestone” for reproductive medicine and the families who rely on fertility care.
However, cost remans a barrier for many families. The average IVF cycle costs $23,474 in 2026, according to Carrot, an employer sponsored fertility benefit program. In addition, most people need multiple cycles for success.
For Chelsea and Scott Cheveria, it took three egg retrievals and three transfers over three years to have their daughter Zaira.
“Every single step was an issue. So, everything was trial and error,” said Cheveria.
She has a pre-existing genetic condition that affects her body’s ability to make vital hormones, making her a candidate for IVF.
However, without insurance, the Cheverias wouldn’t have been able to afford the costly procedures.
“I can’t imagine having to pay out of pocket,” Cheveria said.
In 2026, Illinois expanded its infertility insurance coverage mandate, requiring group health plans that include pregnancy benefits to cover infertility treatments, regardless of employer size.
“Illinois has a really progressive mandate,” said Dr. Emily Jungheim, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a reproductive endocrinologist at Northwestern Medicine.
Illinois’ fertility mandate is now one of the strongest in the country, which Jungheim calls “game changing.”
“But at the end of the day, there are all sorts of out-of-pocket costs involved,” she said.
Over her career, Jungheim has seen the impact of advances in fertility treatment but acknowledges a gap in access to care.
“The bottom line is these technologies still are out of reach for a lot of folks. Time, effort, energy, emotion, particularly if it doesn’t work well the first time,” she said. “On top of that, the medications, oftentimes that benefit is separate from your IVF benefit.”
Some employers are turning to alternative options like Carrot, which acts as a flexible healthcare fund, to help pay for treatments and medication. Dr. Asima Ahmad is the chief medical officer and co-founder.
“Even though that the topic is not as hidden as it used to be, there’s a still a lot of stigma. Feelings of loneliness and shame that people feel,” said Ahmad.
Ahmad is also a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at a fertility clinic in Chicago. She’s seen first hand how a shift in technology has increased the likelihood women can get pregnant in treatment and reduce the risk of a miscarriage.
However, she cautions as research continues, age still plays an important role in fertility.
“Women and girls, we just need to be educated about how our fertility changes over time,” said Ahmad. “I think what we need to change about fertility is to take a more proactive approach instead of a reactive approach.”
Understanding risk factors in advance including family history, autoimmune conditions and how lifestyle can impact pregnancy allows women more autonomy to make timely choices about family planning.
“Do the workup and just get some numbers and some data early on to see where we stand,” said Ahmad. “Knowing your egg count or egg supply doesn’t mean you’re fertile or infertile, it just tells you that quantity of what you have at that point in time.”
As for Cheveria, she’s enjoying time with her now six-month-old daughter, Zaira, and her 5-year-old sister, Annayiah.
“I’m very grateful to be here,” she said.
Despite her lengthy journey to build her family, she’s already looking ahead to doing it all over again.
“I want more. I’ve always wanted four, but my husband wants to settle with three, so we’ll see,” said Cheveria.
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