Couple Shares IVF Journey: Costs, Challenges, and the Joy of Parenthood
Barrett and Shiraine McLeod, a couple in their late 30s, embarked on the increasingly common path to parenthood: in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their journey highlights the financial and emotional complexities of fertility treatments. The couple, who live in western Connecticut with their toddler, Lejend, are now expecting their second child through IVF.
Navigating the Costs of IVF
The McLeods’ experience mirrors a rising trend. In 2021, over 86,000 infants were conceived via assisted reproductive technology like IVF, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. But the treatments are expensive. The McLeods spent approximately $18,000 on their first round of IVF, a cost they covered through a combination of insurance and a health savings account (HSA).
“This kid blows our mind every day, and he’s only two,” Shiraine said, discussing their son, who is constantly asking questions.
IVF costs vary widely, ranging from $15,000 to over $30,000 for one round without insurance. The McLeods told Business Insider that infertility treatments have become more expensive with their second child.
The Impact of Political and Societal Perspectives
The McLeods’ journey unfolded amidst a changing landscape for reproductive healthcare. Barrett recalled undergoing fertility treatments around the time the Alabama Supreme Court made a ruling on frozen embryos, which raised concerns about IVF access. “, It was scary,” he said.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February aimed at “aggressively reducing out-of-pocket” IVF costs, although details on exactly how this would work are still pending.
Shiraine emphasized the importance of affordable access to IVF: “There’s a lot of people out there who really, really want kids, and they don’t believe that they’ll ever get to have them, because IVF is probably the only option and they believe that they can’t afford it.”
Financial Strategies and Insurance Coverage
To help navigate expenses, Shiraine recommends opening a health savings account (HSA). Saving pre-tax money in an HSA has helped her manage out-of-pocket costs. She also encourages others to obtain a price breakdown from their insurer and fertility clinic before starting IVF.
Dr. Cynthia Murdock, a Connecticut-based reproductive endocrinologist and the McLeods’ provider, noted that many patients are unaware of insurance coverage for fertility treatments. Insurers in Connecticut and New York are mandated to cover some IVF procedures. Dr. Murdock stated, “We try to do as much as we can to help people navigate the insurance so they don’t have to be stressed about that in addition to being stressed about not getting pregnant.”
Emotional Journeys and Family Support
Beyond financial hurdles, Shiraine and Barrett discussed the emotional toll of fertility treatments. As Caribbean Americans, they faced initial skepticism from some family members about IVF, due to cultural norms. Shiraine’s mother initially questioned their decision to openly share their IVF experience. However, after seeing the positive reactions from their friends and on social media, she expressed support, calling it a “beautiful” moment for their family.
Between the ages 25 and 44, 15% of white women seek infertility treatment, whereas 8% of Black women do in the same age group, according to the most recently available National Institute of Health data.
The couple continues to share their experiences hoping to connect with others feeling isolated by infertility, and they are excitedly anticipating their child’s birth later this year.
“As a woman, in terms of reproducing, I doubted my body a lot,” Shiraine said. “I’m so happy to finally have a kid. Going through this process gave me that opportunity.”
