The economy and IVF

[Ghost]

There's a lot of buzz within the industry regarding how the slowing/uncertain economy might affect business.

If I was a prospective parent right now, I'd be hesitant to start a family right now, while newscasters are reminiscing of 1929, much less to drop $10K-$50K to make it happen.

[loopie]

Hi Ghost!

7 years ago, my friend was very pregnant when the US was attacked by terrorists on Sept 11th, she was inundated with people asking her how she could bring someone into this world of uncertainty. She was livid- but would merely say, how will the world get any better if we don't bring good people into it?
The economy has been sick for some time and while there are specific ramifications for IVF - (banks unwilling to loan perhaps? ) I think in times of uncertainty, people seek security in family, and those of us who have struggled with IF are no different.
If anything, I think the economic situation will create a baby boom - I mean, for most- what entertainment is cheaper and more fun than a night at home???

I do see your point about the actual costs, but hope it will not deter folks from their goals. Personally, had it not been for our great health insurance- current economic situation or not- Dh and I would not have been able to go this route

thanks for all you do!

yours,

loopie

[lynniecat]

I totally see your point and agree. In my case, I will never have a family if I do not have one now. I just have to hope that somehow things work out.

[chelly180]

Has the world really changed that much? I mean, since the 1900's we've had 2 world wars, korea, vietnam, the gulf war, iraq war, now this fear of 'recession'. But nothing has ever stopped people from 'bringing kids into the world'. These kids are the future....who knows, one of us IVF'ers might give birth to a future president, nobel prize winner, humanitarian....etc. Why should we deprive ourselves of the joys of having a family...no one else seems concerned.
Now with regards to the money being spent, no offense but you obviously have never personally experienced the deep heartache a woman has to carry her OWN baby or to be a MOTHER. When you feel this pain, you will spend whatever dollar amount it takes. I know you empathize with us, and you have been such a help so don't take that comment negatively please.
-Michele

[sprouthaus]

Hi ghost -

First, let me thank you for all the guidance you provide us here on the boards. it is invaluable!

DH and I are definitely worried about the economy and any outflow of cash is thought about twice between DH and myself. If we didn't have insurance - we probably wouldn't proceed forward with IVF right now. We have lost a lot of money in our 401(k) and savings accounts not to mention the value of our home.

We are more fortunate than most and both of us make a good living with fairly secure jobs in the medical device & pharmaceutical industries.... so even with our losses to date, we can afford to move forward with IVF. But, we are making cuts elsewhere in order to step up our savings.

This is just my perspective from our situation.

[SilverAngel679]

I personally don't understand how the economy can alter a persons decision (Morally anyway if not finacially) to become a parent. I never felt like I had a choice. Isnt the need to procreate and have babies instinctual to most people? I know that I could never imagine myself not being a mother. Rather I coud afford it or not I don;t thinka nything could have stopped me from trying to be a parent.

[beladi32]

Ghost! Thanks for your insight always - but I have to disagree this time! I know you're just trying to be practical, but even with ithe economy, there's nothing I'd rather spend my money on that trying to become a parent. There's nothing I"d rather accomplish in my life. I'm even homeless from Hurricane Ike, but I'm still starting Lupron for my 7th IVF cycle tomorrow (will freeze all like you recommended). We persevere

[kollegeqtee]

For myself, I have to disagree with this. I will be going through my fourth IVF within the next two-three months. Nothing is going to stop me from doing what I can to become a mother. I do have excellent insurance but it does not cover infertility. Thats not going to stop me and hasnt yet. It is also agreed that things run in cycles and the economy will work its self out. It is however, most important for those of us going through IVF not to be brought down by negative people or thoughts. We must stay positve because positivity results in a better outcome. We seem to be desperate for answers because most of us are uncertain and scared. Just remember that we control our own life.....

[jen8675309]

Hi Ghost ~

Good topic, really makes you think, and I think that's good. I am now almost 34 weeks pregnant with twins and I won't lie, bringing 2 kids into the world right now scares me to death. However, I am forced to believe that things happen for a reason and as PP have mentioned, we will persevere (sp?). One of my best friends was supposed to start IVF at the end of this month but can't because she can't get her loan approved due to the economy. She has a fantastic attitude about it and says, well, maybe now is not the time that it's meant to be.

I know that people always tell me that you are never really ready for kids (financially or otherwise), so it doesn't really matter when you have them, but I agree with you, during these times, it's only rational to really think things through.

I hope you, in your profession, can weather through this economic storm. Thank goodness for all those who want to and can continue through the IF journey, despite the bad economic conditions.

Good luck to all of us!

[lukesmom]

First I would like to say your knowledge and wisdom has been helpful to so many on this sight including myself. And everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, to put a price tag on a baby is obsurd. Yes the world is in bad economic shape, not to mention the morals and values for a large part of the population are on the downhill slope. But I must agree with chelly180, this world needs some more good people in it. And for someone to go through the lengths of IVF like all of us have, I believe we will put all of our heart and soul into raising a contributing member of society!! Love and life must go on or we are just saying screw it and giving up what we were given by God as our human right.

[natashamom]

Wow,sorry you`ve been bombared!

But I must admit as a mom and tryng to be a mom once again,I do relate to every one of them.

Yes,the economy is crazy and yes we`re going into a crise and the unknown is yet to come,but you`ll never trully understand(maybe if you reborn as a woman who wishes to conceive with all her soul and body)what we,as women feel when we cant bring the joy of a precious life to this world.

Thank you for understanding our point!

Natasha.

[Fluffypuppygal]

Mu husband and I are BIG nerds! We watch a lot of the Science Channel, and in addition to the economy, we have the ending of the Mayan calendar in 2012 (the end of the world as we know it!) and an impending major metor hit to the earth in about 2040. (I forget the name of the meteor, but it is interesting stuff!)
I know you threw the economy crisis out there to get us all talking (I see you!) but really, for a lot of us, if we don't do this now, we will never be mothers at all. Adoption is often longer, harder, more painful and more expesive in the long run. (Really, do you know [i][b]anyone[/b][/i] who gives up a healthy infant for adoption in the United States anymore?)
True, I wish things were better, but you have to work with what you've got. You can't predict the future, only do your best in the present.

[Melo_P]

Thats kind of a surprising and provocative post!

I guess its never a nice reminder that desperate want to be parents can really be reduced down to their core element of being the prospective $$$ that keep the "fertility business" turning!

My view is that infertility and the absolute fundamental urge, drive and desire and motivation to have children - which is an awesome and dreadful obstacle to face in life - would actually be dampened by difficult economic times - though I suppose it makes it all the more heartbreaking and difficult for those of us who might be directly affected through economic downturn (like losing your house or job!).

Many woman and families already put themselves into almost destitute situations to put themselves through IVF and try and build families - particularily where funding is tight (where isn't it!) and incur huge debts whilst foregoing the other advances in life like home ownership that our peer groups indulge in.

Am sure fertility clinics will probably be one of the last bastions of business to see a slow down - as I doubt most infertile couples view having children as a luxury good (like a holiday or car or nice new fridge) that they could forgoe. So I guess kind of like bread milk and petrol (you know - lifes other essentials!) business will weather the change about as well as any other core essential life service!


The $$$ coming through the doors of fertility clinics in 12 months time might prove me wrong on all that of course.

M

[Mellie_1233]

I think Ghost is probably right for some people. If the female is young and time isn't an issue I could see people delaying trying right now. I had actually wondered the same thing about the fertility business slowing down.

For us, we just had our little girl 10 days ago from IVF. My husband's business has been hit very hard by the bad economy. When this econmic crisis started one of the first things I thought was thank goodness it didn't happen last year. W/all the stress and expense from treatment it would've made it so hard to persevere if we were financially struggling, too. However, we would have found a way b/c my age and diagnosis make it impossible to reasonably delay treatment.

We are hoping to try for #2 next spring and the economy is very much on my mind. I don't think it will prevent us from trying but it will make it much more stressful.

So, in a nutshell, I think it will impact people who have the luxury of time on their side. For those of us for whom it appears to be "now or never" it seems it would have less of an impact.

[to_have_fun08]

Mellie_1233 - Congrats on your little girl.


As far as the economic conditions. It seems on this board that not too many ladies will make a decision base on the economy. We are going to have our children weather it puts us in the poor house or not. Though I do think that there are tons of other ladies that are infertile that wish so much that they can have a baby but can not afford to do this. Some could have been really close to doing IVF but maybe have lost their job or now with higher prices just can't get the funds for IVF. If it was a choice of losing your house or having a baby, which would you choose? It is really a though decision. I am lucky enough to have insurance coverage, if I didn't have coverage would I be doing IVF? I really don't know. I do want a child in every way but I also wouldn't want to lose everything I worked for in my life to have a child. That's just my 2 cents.

Chris