Infertility Prevalence and Public Support for In Vitro Fertilization Policies in the United States

Abstract

Research Question:

What is the current lifetime prevalence of infertility in the U.S., and how do U.S. adults view access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and state-mandated insurance coverage?

Design:

Cross-sectional data were analyzed from a nationally weighted online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults in November 2024. Survey-weighted descriptive statistics estimated lifetime infertility prevalence and support for the right to access IVF and for state-mandated IVF insurance coverage. Survey-adjusted chi-square tests assessed differences in support across sociodemographic groups.

Results:

The sample included adults aged 18–87 years (median age 51 years). Lifetime infertility prevalence was 8.9% (95% CI: 7.2–11.0). Most respondents supported IVF access for infertility patients (74.2%; 95% CI: 70.9–77.2), and approximately two-thirds supported state-mandated IVF insurance coverage (64.6%; 95% CI: 61.2–67.7). Support for IVF access varied significantly by age (p = 0.04), education (p < 0.01), income (p < 0.01), race/ethnicity (p = 0.01), political leaning (p < 0.01), and infertility experience (p < 0.01). Lower support was observed among adults ages 18–29 and 30–49, those with lower income or educational attainment, Black respondents, Independents/Independent-leaning respondents, and individuals without personal or secondhand infertility experience. Support for state-mandated IVF insurance coverage varied by education (p < 0.01), income (p < 0.01), political leaning (p < 0.01), and infertility experience (p < 0.01), with the lowest support among respondents with lower income or education, Republican/Republican-leaning respondents, and those without infertility experience.

Conclusions:

Approximately 1 in 11 U.S. adults has experienced infertility. Although support varied across demographic and political groups, most Americans support IVF access and insurance mandates.