Bill Overview
Title: Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act
Description: This bill includes assisted reproduction as a tax deductible medical expense. It defines assisted reproduction as any methods, treatments, procedures, and services for effectuating a pregnancy and bringing it to term, and treats it as medical care of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or dependent to the extent that they intend to take legal custody or responsibility for any children born as a result of such assisted reproduction.
Sponsors: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]
Target Audience
Population: People globally interested or undergoing assisted reproduction
Estimated Size: 5000000
- Assisted reproduction, such as IVF, is a service sought by individuals and couples facing infertility issues.
- Global estimates suggest that around 8-12% of couples worldwide face infertility challenges.
- Individuals and couples seeking to become parents via assisted reproduction methods are diverse and can include those from the LGBTQ+ community, single individuals, and heterosexual couples.
- Given the global reach of infertility issues and the procedures available in various countries, it's reasonable to assume a global target population in the tens of millions or more who are potentially affected.
Reasoning
- Approximately 10-15% of couples in the US face infertility, with a wider subset including LGBTQ+ and single individuals who might seek assisted reproduction.
- A portion of this population will benefit financially from the tax deduction offered by the policy, potentially increasing their wellbeing.
- Budget constraints mean not all eligible individuals can receive full benefits immediately, but over time more might.
- Infertility and the use of ART impact individuals across various demographics, occupations, and socio-economic status.
Simulated Interviews
Graphic Designer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Assisted reproduction expenses are so high that it feels daunting to even try.
- A tax deduction could make a significant difference in our financial planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While we can manage the costs, a tax deduction would certainly ease the burden.
- It's nice to see policy support for diverse family building options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Public School Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Without this policy, I would struggle to afford IVF treatments.
- This could make my dream of having a child on my own more reachable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Marketing Executive (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Thankfully, our jobs help cover much of the cost, but the policy would relieve some financial strain.
- It recognizes the varied family planning journeys in modern society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Engineer (Boise, ID)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is reassuring to see assisted reproduction recognized as a medical expense, supporting our long-term family plans.
- Hope this moves beyond a tax deduction to more broad and inclusive benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Making assisted reproduction a deductible expense relieves some financial pressure.
- More than the deduction, the policy provides emotional and societal support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Attorney (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though my income allows for these expenses, recognizing them as tax-deductible is fair and encouraging.
- This is a step toward recognizing diverse family structures legally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- IVF is not an option unless financially feasible; a tax benefit could be essential.
- Policies like this could provide hope for families like ours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Consultant (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The financial relief through tax deductions will alleviate some of the ART costs.
- Recognizing ART as a medical expense is long overdue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Without policy support, affording ART seems impossible while maintaining current lifestyle.
- This policy gives me hope for future family planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2300000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $3500000000)
Year 2: $2380000000 (Low: $1560000000, High: $3570000000)
Year 3: $2450000000 (Low: $1620000000, High: $3640000000)
Year 5: $2620000000 (Low: $1740000000, High: $3820000000)
Year 10: $2950000000 (Low: $1960000000, High: $4320000000)
Year 100: $3990000000 (Low: $2650000000, High: $5850000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates depend on the number of people eligible for and claiming the tax deduction.
- Estimates were done assuming constant average annual inflation and current market prices for assisted reproduction technologies.
- The policy's complexity might require further legislative clarifications on eligible expenses.