By Erin Lasker
Executive Director of RESOLVE New England
As I was traveling down to Washington, D.C., for Resolve: The National Infertility Association’s Advocacy Day, I was reflecting on the connections I made last year and wondering if I would see some of the people I had met. How would the year have changed for them; were they now proud parents? Were their children doing well? Were they still struggling with infertility?
I was hopeful that I would hear some positive updates. But I was also looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of those who “get it.” Advocacy Day is a powerful one. A time when members of the infertility community come together to end some of the silent suffering. To let our legislators know how difficult it is to deal with infertility. To bring awareness to the disease of infertility. And to educate those that may not understand the disease.
As I expected, it was an amazing day. I feel so empowered and proud to of those that attend the day, but also of those that sent letters. Doing their part to try to help with the three federal bills:
- Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act
- Infertility Tax Credit (The Family Act)
- Women Veterans and Other Healthcare Improvement Acts
Like last year, I am so glad I attended. Resolve: The National Infertility Association did an amazing job coordinating, planning and executing a powerful day.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can still make a difference. This year, RNE is excited to have state advocacy days. The first of which will happen in Massachusetts on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.
It is vitally important to have attendees at this event. We will be speaking with our legislators about the importance of the Massachusetts infertility mandate. The Massachusetts mandate is the gold standard in the country. And with the ACA, as written, no one knows what will happen to mandates as or 2016. Will the infertility mandate go away? Will the people in the 15 states that have mandates speak up enough to ensure those mandates stay in place?
So much is yet to determined. But that is why you can make a difference and you need to do so now. Join RNE on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Show up at the State House to have your voice heard. Let your legislators know that you appreciate the gold standard mandate and you want it to remain.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. But otherwise, commit to the day. Commit to have your voice heard. Bring your child. Bring your parents. Bring your partner. Ask your friends to write letters on behalf of the mandate.
We hope you are empowered. Your voice does make a difference. And I am so glad I was part of the National Advocacy Day. Thank you to those in the Massachusetts delegation who joined us:
- Ronny Mosston, OvaScience
- Elizabeth Hoffman, OvaScience
- Rosa Nichols , Massachusetts General Hospital
- Aprill Lane, AGC Scholarships
- Terri Davidson, Davidson Communication
- Keiko Zoll, The Infertility Voice
- EMD Serono’s Massachusetts team
We are so proud to have shared the day with each of you!