Maven Clinic Study Pulls Back the Curtain on the Staggering Financial and Emotional Costs of Fertility Care
Ahead of National Infertility Awareness Week, new research reveals the far-reaching impact of fertility challenges on mental health, careers, relationships, and overall well-being
91% of women say fertility struggles impact mental health; 44% turned down promotions, raises or new job opportunities
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maven Clinic, the world's largest virtual clinic for women's and family health, today released new research, Beyond the Bill: The Hidden Costs of Fertility Care. Drawing on responses from more than 1,000 women in the U.S. who have navigated fertility care or treatment, or had difficulty conceiving, the research uncovers the true cost of fertility journeys--not just in dollars, but in the personal sacrifices made in careers, relationships, and well-being.
One in six people globally experience infertility, yet many families lack the support they deserve. Employers are helping turn the tide, with an estimated 40% of US employers offering fertility benefits to their employees, a 30% increase from 2020. Leading employers are going beyond financial assistance, providing comprehensive support that combines financial, emotional, and clinical care to better serve employees and manage healthcare costs.
"IVF is a life-changing technology that makes dreams come true, and providing access to this essential care is the floor, not the ceiling," said founder and CEO of Maven Clinic, Kate Ryder. "Aspiring parents deserve support that is available 24/7, addresses both emotional and clinical needs, and is delivered transparently and compassionately. With millions of people experiencing infertility around the world, our survey findings are a call to action to the entire system: families need our help."
"Families deserve the shortest, safest path to a healthy baby, but that's not what the current system is built to deliver," said Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic. " By supporting people from the very beginning of their family-building journey and attending to the full breadth of their needs, we can improve outcomes, cut costs and build a system that works better for everyone."
Key findings from Beyond the Bill: The Hidden Costs of Fertility Care include:
-- Financial cost remains one of the biggest barriers to fertility care: 3
in 4 people experience financial strain when navigating fertility, with
one third of women spending more than $50K on their fertility journeys.
Nearly half (46%) of respondents felt unprepared for the costs.
-- Life goals are being put on hold to afford care: 83% of respondents had
to cut back on expenses, with 52% saying they've had to use their
savings meant for other life goals to afford fertility care, from
retirement to buying a home.
-- The toll isn't just financial - it's emotional, too: A staggering 91%
say fertility challenges impacted their mental health. 78% have limited
social interactions, such as weddings, baby showers, and family
gatherings, due to emotional stress.
-- Relationships are being strained: While 85% say they felt supported by
their partners, 65% of respondents felt that the burden of fertility lay
almost entirely with them, not with their partner.
-- Careers are quietly being reshaped: 44% of women turned down promotions,
raises or new job opportunities due to fertility treatment schedules or
concerns about future family planning. 59% of women or their partners
took on extra work to pay for care.
-- Employer benefits increase productivity & engagement, but stigma still
persists: Despite growing awareness of fertility challenges, 77% of
women have hidden or downplayed their fertility treatment at work. Among
respondents with fertility benefits, 81% say they're more engaged and
productive at work.
Maven is the largest fertility benefits provider by lives covered, offering clinical, emotional, and financial support for every step of the family-building journey. Maven combines the best of fertility benefits administration with virtual care and health coaching to deliver better outcomes for families and cost-savings for employers. Through Maven, families have access to a vetted network of fertility clinics, robust preconception care, and 24/7 support from over 30 specialist types across mental health, nutrition, reproductive endocrinology and more. 30% of Maven's fertility members achieve pregnancy without the need for assisted reproductive technology.
About Maven Clinic
Maven is the world's largest virtual clinic for women and families on a mission to make healthcare work for all of us. Maven's award-winning digital programs provide clinical, emotional, and financial support all in one platform, spanning fertility & family building, maternity & newborn care, parenting & pediatrics, and menopause & midlife. More than 2,000 employers and health plans trust Maven's end-to-end platform to improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and provide equity in benefits programs. Recognized for innovation and industry leadership, Maven has been named to the Time 100 Most Influential Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50, Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, and FORTUNE Best Places to Work. Founded in 2014 by CEO Kate Ryder, Maven has raised more than $425 million in funding from top healthcare and technology investors including General Catalyst, Sequoia, Dragoneer Investment Group, Oak HC/FT, StepStone Group, Icon Ventures, and Lux Capital. To learn more about Maven, visit us at mavenclinic.com.
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