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Are you beginning to feel like a solo traveler on a never-ending fertility journey? Have failed pregnancies left you feeling hopeless and unempowered? If so, it’s time to book a ticket to Washington D.C. where you can join thousands of women for RESOLVE’s 2014 Advocacy Day in an effort to raise public and governmental awareness of male and female infertility issues. It is a 1 ½ day event, beginning the evening of May 6th with a reception and continuing through May 7th. Events like this are necessary to remove the veil of secrecy around infertility and to get the support and funding we need to promote research, increase early detection and treatment, and to persuade insurance companies to provide legitimate coverage for fertility treatments.
This annual event is hosted by RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. It isn’t just another awareness raising event; Advocacy Day has been hosted for more than a decade and participants actually speak to members of Capital Hill, including senators and representatives, sharing their stories– and the stories of others who have struggled with infertility. These private conversations and public speeches are a very personalized and meaningful way to educate public policy makers about the ways they can make a difference for millions of women across the nation.
What Exactly Can You Expect When You Participate in Advocacy Day?
In theory, the most powerful purpose of Advocacy Day is to contribute to the political change that will help to shape fertility options for adults in the future. On a smaller, and more personal level, Advocacy Day gives you the opportunity to commune with men, women, and medical experts who are fighting the good fight against infertility on a daily basis. It is empowering, it is inspiring, and you will know once and for all that you are not alone! Advocacy Day participants get to:
- Support those who are dealing with infertility issues.
- Be supported in their fight against infertility.
- Have the opportunity to make a powerful change in the political stratosphere.
- Enjoy being a part of a community who truly understands your struggle, and is equally motivated to take a stand with you.
When You Participate in RESOLVE’s 2014 Advocacy Day – You ARE Making a Difference!
Have you always wanted to get more involved in politics and, in the words of Gandhi, “Be the change that you want to see in the world?” This is your chance. You will actually be trained to speak with politicians and policy makers so that your story can be heard and your mission statement addressed.
Some of the specific legislation that will be addressed during the 2014 Advocacy Day includes:
Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act. Anyone dealing with infertility has explored their adoption options, quickly realizing they are not budget friendly for the average American couple. The bills in question (S 1056/HR 2144) would make it more affordable for Americans to take advantage of their adoption options by increasing tax benefits.
Infertility Tax Credit (The Family Act). Most insurance companies do not fund the expensive procedures required for most fertility treatments. The Family Act bill would extend tax credits to families to have to spend thousands on out-of-pocket expenses to help them recoup a portion of this priceless investment.
Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act. Recently, a bill has been introduced that would include reproductive assistance in the coverage provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to wounded, severely ill, or injured members of the military.
You can read more about the specifics regarding the legislative acts RESOLVE hopes to support and change on their Issues web page.
Get Your Family and Friends Involved: Participate in Advocacy Day
There are all kinds of ways to take action. If possible, grab a spouse, mother, sibling a group of friends or your fertility support group and head to Washington D.C. for RESOVE’s 2014 Advocacy Day so you can take part in this momentous event. We look forward to seeing you there!
(Image: http://familybuilding.resolve.org)