Fresh Hope for Veteran Families

The Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and the Center for Reproductive Health (CRH) in Spokane are announcing a new partnership to provide Veterans injured in combat with the opportunity for fertility treatments, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system.

Last September, Congress passed legislation allowing the VA to fund medically-appropriate IVF services to Veterans wounded in combat and no longer able to naturally conceive.

Now, contracts are in place between Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and the Center for Reproductive Health and the University of Washington for eligible Veterans. Spokane’s Center for Reproductive Health fertility clinic has served the Inland Northwest for nearly 20 years and helped thousands of families conceive and birth healthy babies.

“The science and technology behind IVF continues to advance and make it possible for more people to start families, even those who have suffered traumatic injuries,” CRH’s Medical Director, Dr. Edwin Robins, explained. “As a Navy Veteran, this opportunity is particularly close to my heart. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Veteran families and help them build a family.”

IVF is complex and can be costly, depending on one’s medical insurance. The VA hopes to relieve some stress and financial burden on local families by covering the treatment costs.

“We are so excited for our Veterans,” said Julie Liss, RN, BSN, (U.S. Navy Ret.) Women Veterans Health Program manager, at the Mann-Grandstaff VA in Northwest Spokane. “This partnership allows us to continue meeting the needs of our Veteran population throughout Eastern and North Central Washington, and Northern Idaho by providing young families with the care they need to start a family.”

The legislation passed by Congress secures funding through September 2018. Reimbursement of adoption expenses may also be available to eligible Veterans.

Veterans seeking access to fertility treatment and have a documented reproductive injury can contact the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane at (509) 434-7009 to make an appointment.