Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) held a press conference at Montefiore Nyack Hospital to promote the reintroduction of his IVF Access and Affordability Act. The proposed legislation would provide up to a $40,000 federal tax credit for families seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments.
Speaking about the bill, Congressman Lawler said, “From personal experience, I know just how vital access to life-giving fertility treatments is for folks looking to start or grow their families in the Hudson Valley. Family is at the heart of our communities, and for far too many couples, the dream of having a child is out of reach because of cost and lack of access. The IVF Access and Affordability Act is a practical, pro-family solution to help change that.”
Dr. Mark Geller, Chief Executive Officer of Montefiore Nyack Hospital, highlighted Lawler’s ongoing support for healthcare initiatives: “Congressman Lawler has been a tremendous supporter of Montefiore Nyack Hospital and healthcare more broadly. Since joining Congress, the Congressman has been instrumental in passing legislation to support hospitals, emergency rooms, and their operations. He has worked to secure J-1 visas for healthcare workers from overseas, which are desperately needed, and has helped delay or forestall 340B legislation that could have had a significant impact. Additionally, he has worked on delaying the MCO tax to prevent negative effects on New York State, and he has helped postpone the implementation of the ACA essential plan to mitigate its impact. We are very grateful for his support over the years.”
Chanie Sternberg, President & CEO of RefuahHealth, also spoke at the event: “I’m standing here representing hundreds of women who should really be here, women who have struggled, and continue to struggle, seeking every opportunity, wherever it may be, to build a family. As the Congressman said, the fact that IVF treatment will now be accessible not just to those who can afford it but to everyone is a major milestone. I want to thank Congressman Lawler for your vision, your heart, and for standing with women regardless of their ability to pay.”
Rena Fox—a constituent who has used IVF services—addressed both emotional and financial challenges faced by families: “The physical and emotional demands can be overwhelming: the daily medications, the procedures, the waiting, the disappointments. And when you add the financial strain on top of that it can feel impossible. That’s why the Congressman’s initiative is so meaningful. By helping to ease the financial burden of fertility care this proposal gives more families the chance to experience the joy of bringing a child into the world. This is not just about medicine or policy. It’s about hope fairness and the future of families like mine.”
Dr. Maria Emerson from Montefiore Nyack Hospital added her perspective as both physician and mother: “IVF can be costly and for many couples this light of hope is often dimmed by financial barriers. Protecting this service and making it accessible to our communities is a cause worth fighting for. Family building should not be a privilege reserved for only a few. I want to congratulate Congressman Lawler for selecting such a worthy cause and for standing firmly behind it.”
Paul Adler—Chairman of Montefiore Nyack Hospital Foundation—concluded with remarks on behalf of hospital leadership: “This is truly about families. It is critically important that this basic right is supported. The Montefiore Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees—and of course—the Foundation stand behind you in this effort to improve quality-of-life by putting families first not just in our region but now across country—to ensure this kind legislation passed we are grateful you choosing Montefiore Nyack Hospital as backdrop important healthcare announcement Thank you Congressman Lawler.”
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—including Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties—and was rated among most effective freshman lawmakers during 118th Congress.
