Federal Grants for IVF

Federal grants for in-vitro fertilization appear to be few and far between. In fact, a search of Grants.gov only yielded two. Additionally, federal grants for individuals or couples seeking an IVF procedure do not exist.

Types

• According to Grants.gov, one grant looks at ways fertility clinics can be successful in transferring one embryo versus two or more, during the egg transfer, while the second serves to increase public awareness about embryo donation/adoption.

Transfer

• By only putting one embryo back during the egg transfer the chance of complications decreases. “This would reduce health risks to the mother and the offspring that result from multiple pregnancies, thereby reducing the high medical costs,” as reported in the purpose section of the grant.

Donation/Adoption

• While some couples only have enough embryos to conceive one child, there are those whose IVF treatment yields numerous embryos. Those embryos are often frozen for future use. But in some cases there are so many embryos that it is not possible for a couple to use them all within their lifetime. Another grant opportunity is geared toward informing the public about the option of embryo donation and/or adoption. Grants.gov, said the funding for this particular program is expected to be $1.4 million.

Facts

• The application deadline for both grants closed in 2009, and a further search indicated that there were not any new grants. However, more may be posted in the future.

Options

• Even though there are no federal grants currently available to individuals or couples, there are resources for those who want to have a child but lack infertility coverage under their insurance policy. According to a list located on Conceivingconcepts.com, there are IVF grants available that couples can apply for and receive up to $10,000.