Bipartisan legislation introduced March 5 would expand access to fertility care for veterans whose reproductive health may have been harmed by toxic exposures during service.

The MOAA-backed Warrior Infertility Act (H.R. 7841), led by Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) and co-led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), seeks to make infertility a presumptive condition tied to toxic exposure under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

Establishing infertility as a presumptive condition would alleviate the burden veterans face when seeking to prove a direct link between their infertility and military service. Coverage for treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can take months or even years to resolve and is further delayed by the lack of an established presumptive.

“The risks taken by those in uniform last far longer than their time in service,” said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), president and CEO of MOAA, in a press release from Morrison’s office announcing the legislation. “The Warrior Infertility Act recognizes one of these risks — how exposure to toxins can create problems for those looking to build a family. MOAA thanks Reps. Morrison and Obernolte for this commonsense legislation that will allow these warriors to receive the support and care they've earned.”

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The new bill would recognize the growing body of research connecting infertility with occupational hazards and toxic exposures experienced during military service. According to studies cited by lawmakers, active duty women experience fertility issues at significantly higher rates than their civilian counterparts, highlighting the long-term health impacts of service.

Morrison, an OB-GYN who has spent more than two decades practicing medicine, emphasized the importance of ensuring veterans can access the reproductive care they need.

“When service members put their lives on the line for our country, it’s our duty to make sure they’re supported when they come home. That includes essential and life-changing reproductive health care,” Morrison said in the release. “Service members are more likely to struggle with infertility but still face burdensome hurdles to getting treatment. Recognizing infertility as a service-connected condition will help ensure veterans do not fall through the cracks.”

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Obernolte echoed the concern that the effects of toxic exposures can follow veterans long after their military careers end.

“For too many veterans, exposure to toxic substances during military service can have lasting effects on their health, including their ability to build a family,” he said, noting the bill aims to remove unnecessary barriers to care.

The legislation has drawn strong support from a wide coalition of veterans and medical organizations, including MOAA, the American Legion, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and the National Military Family Association.

If enacted, the Warrior Infertility Act would represent an important step in recognizing the full scope of health challenges associated with military-related toxic exposure and ensuring veterans receive the care they deserve as they pursue the opportunity to build families after service.