Egg Donation and the 2024 Election: Key Considerations for Intended Parents

As the 2024 election in the US approaches, conversations about reproductive rights are front and center across the country. In fact, recent survey data found that 90% of American women are concerned about potential restrictions on fertility treatments. While the focus has largely been on abortion rights—especially following the overturning of Roe v. Wade—it’s important to know that other areas of reproductive healthcare, including egg donation and IVF, could also be influenced by election outcomes.

At Cofertility, we’re committed to helping intended parents navigate their family-building journey with clarity and confidence. As this election season unfolds, we’re closely monitoring how political shifts could impact donor egg IVF and the future of fertility care. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to stay prepared and informed on these important issues so you can make the best choices to protect your options for the future.

Issues facing egg donation and reproductive healthcare access

This election season, reproductive healthcare policies are under intense scrutiny, especially in states where abortion restrictions are either already in place or on the horizon. Currently, fertility treatments like egg retrieval, egg freezing, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain widely accessible. However, ongoing changes in reproductive health policies may introduce new questions about accessibility, oversight, and insurance coverage for these treatments. In light of these shifts, staying informed is more essential than ever, helping intended parents feel secure and prepared as they navigate their options.

Understanding state-level implications for donor egg IVF

Because reproductive healthcare policies are largely determined at the state level, intended parents considering donor eggs will find their options are heavily dependent on where they (and their donor) live. In states with robust protections for reproductive healthcare, donor egg IVF remains reliably accessible. These states often have fewer regulatory barriers and, in some cases, expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatments.

In states with more restrictive policies—like the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling— intended parents pursuing donor egg IVF may have more hurdles to overcome. While these laws don’t typically focus on egg donation specifically, changes in how embryos are handled, fertility clinic operations, or insurance mandates could still influence the logistics or costs of care. For intended parents pursuing egg donation, IVF is an essential step in the family-building journey, whether the intended mother plans to carry the pregnancy or if you’re working with a surrogate. Understanding the nuances of state-level policies is crucial, and completing your care in a state with strong protections for reproductive healthcare can help ensure smoother access to the support and services you need.

Insurance gaps and high costs

As more people pursue fertility treatments, there’s a growing movement for broader access and better support for individuals seeking assistance with growing their families. This election season, expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments has become a central issue, with advocates pushing for policies that make family-building more accessible and equitable.

With this momentum, there’s a growing emphasis on providing inclusive care options for all intended parents, regardless of background or location. By breaking down cost barriers, these policy changes could empower more families and underscore the fertility industry’s commitment to accessible, inclusive care.

Impact on LGBTQ+ intended parents

Access to fertility treatments isn’t consistent for everyone, and LGBTQ+ intended parents face added challenges, especially when insurance coverage is limited to heterosexual couples. This can create additional financial and logistical hurdles for LGBTQ+ families seeking to build their families through egg donation.

As the election nears, policies that shape access to fertility treatments could play an important role in ensuring that all intended parents—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status—can pursue family-building. Equal access to fertility care is essential, as restrictive policies could worsen existing disparities and further limit family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Access to egg donation and donor egg IVF amid political changes

Despite the focus on reproductive healthcare access in today’s political climate, IVF remains widely accessible for intended parents across the U.S. While policy discussions around reproductive healthcare often focus on abortion, new rulings and legislative proposals about embryo handling and clinic oversight are also introducing considerations for fertility treatments like donor egg IVF. Staying informed on these shifts may be helpful, as they could indirectly impact access to egg donation in some areas.

To support consistent and secure family-building options, many fertility providers are concentrating their services in states with strong reproductive protections. Some states have even responded to these discussions by expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments, recognizing the essential role these treatments play in supporting diverse paths to parenthood.

At Cofertility, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Our clinic-agnostic model and partnerships in states prioritizing reproductive healthcare protections allow us to offer flexible, secure options that meet your needs, whether you’re just starting out or further along on your journey to parenthood. We’re committed to helping you make informed choices in this evolving landscape.

Key election topics to watch this season

As you move forward on your fertility journey, here are a few key areas to keep an eye on this election:

1. Healthcare policy and reproductive rights: Any shifts in reproductive rights could have downstream effects on egg donation and IVF services in some regions. Even when specific treatments aren’t directly targeted, related legislation could influence healthcare providers’ ability to offer certain services‍
2. Insurance and cost coverage: Candidates advocating for expanded insurance mandates for fertility treatments could support broader access. Understanding candidate positions on these mandates can help clarify future coverage possibilities.‍
3. State-by-state differences: With reproductive healthcare policies managed at the state level, where you (or your donor) live can influence your access to donor egg IVF. Following the election, it may be helpful to monitor your and your donor’s state legislative landscape for changes.‍
4. Access for LGBTQ+ families: Policies that define infertility and coverage eligibility could affect who qualifies for fertility treatments. For LGBTQ+ intended parents, inclusive family-building policies are an essential advocacy point

How Cofertility can support your family-building journey

Reproductive health rights are at risk in the United States. Whether it’s abortion, egg freezing, or IVF–there are policymakers who do not believe women should be able to make decisions about their own bodies. As you explore your options, understanding the broader policy landscape can help you make confident decisions about your family-building journey.

At Cofertility, we’re dedicated to supporting intended parents throughout their egg donation journey, providing resources to help you explore your options and advocating for accessible, inclusive care. To ensure stability and security, we’ve proactively partnered with facilities in states that uphold strong reproductive protections. Our clinic-agnostic model empowers you and your donor to establish care in locations where family-building policies align with your values, offering secure and flexible options no matter where you’re located."

This election, as you weigh your options, we encourage you to reflect on the policies that matter most to you. Your voice—and your vote—can help create a future where everyone has the opportunity to build the family they envision.