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VA now offers fertility treatments |
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April 26, 2017 |
The Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs (VA)
Medical Center and the Center for Reproductive
Health (CRH) in Spokane are announcing a new
partnership to provide Veterans injured in
combat with the opportunity for fertility
treatments, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
for Veterans enrolled in the VA health care
system.
Last September, Congress passed legislation
allowing the VA to fund medically-appropriate
IVF services to Veterans wounded in combat and
no longer able to naturally conceive.
Now, contracts are in place between Mann-Grandstaff
VA Medical Center and the Center for
Reproductive Health and the University of
Washington for eligible Veterans. Spokane’s
Center for Reproductive Health fertility clinic
has served the Inland Northwest for nearly 20
years and helped thousands of families conceive
and birth healthy babies.
“The science and technology behind IVF continues
to advance and make it possible for more people
to start families, even those who have suffered
traumatic injuries,” Dr. Edwin Robins, CRH’s
Medical Director explained. “As a Navy
veteran, this opportunity is particularly close
to my heart. I am honored to have the
opportunity to work with veteran families and
help them build a family.”
IVF is complex and can be costly, depending on
one’s medical insurance. The VA hopes to relieve
some stress and financial burden on local
families by covering the treatment costs.
“We are so excited for our Veterans,” said Julie
Liss, RN, BSN, (U.S. Navy Ret.) Women Veterans
Health Program manager at the Mann-Grandstaff VA
in Spokane. “This partnership allows us to
continue meeting the needs
of our Veteran population throughout Eastern and
North Central Washington, and Northern Idaho by
providing young families with the care they need
to start a family.”
The legislation passed by Congress secures
funding through September 2018. Reimbursement of
adoption expenses may also be available to
eligible Veterans.
Veterans seeking access to fertility treatment
and have a documented reproductive injury can
contact the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in
Spokane at (509) 434-7009 to make an
appointment. |
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