On Tuesday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) announced the Family Building Caucus which looks to bring attention to the many struggles Americans face in attempting to start families, according to Wasserman Schultz’s press release regarding the news.
Rep. Wasserman Schultz and her husband dealt with fertility issues when they were attempting to conceive but were eventually successful through in-vitro fertilization, which now motivates her to bring attention to this circumstance in which many Americans face today.
“I know firsthand the importance of scientific advancements for families affected by infertility, and I have and will continue fighting to ensure that Congress sets aside vital resources needed to research and address this disease,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
She would go on to mention that “I am so heartened and inspired to join forces across the aisle to work with other lawmakers who share the same passion or experiences. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Long for joining me to launch this Family Building Caucus.”
Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) as Rep. Wasserman Schultz mentioned earlier, is looking to address male fertility as well, citing that it has decreased by more than 50% since 1973.
“I am proud to be co-founding the Congressional Family Building Caucus. Just last week, a study in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that male fertility has decreased 51 percent since 1973. We should be working to build resilient families and addressing the significant fertility rate decreases is a major part of that effort,” stated Rep. Long.
The caucus will focus on issues such as family leave, research concerning infertility diseases, risks, and options, as well as provide assistance to those looking to adopt and/or have greatest access to family building resources, according to the press release.
It will work with groups such as RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, and the Military Family Building Coalition.
