To describe the reported need for, use of, and barriers to fertility services among U.S. women aged 18–49, using findings from the 2026 KFF Women’s Health Survey.
Approach:
Survey: Nationally representative survey conducted online and by telephone from March 11 to April 14, 2026.
Population: Analysis of responses from 3,538 women aged 18–49 about their own or their partner’s need for and use of fertility services.
Key Findings:
Fifteen percent reported that they or their partner had ever needed fertility services to become pregnant or prevent a miscarriage; reported need was 12% among women aged 18–35 and 19% among those aged 36–49.
Eleven percent reported receiving fertility assistance, while 3% of all women aged 18–49 said they needed care but could not obtain it.
Among those reporting a need for fertility care, 46% received advice, 39% received testing, and 34% received medication to improve ovulation.
Among women reporting a need for fertility care, 13% reported IVF and 16% reported artificial insemination (IUI); each service was reported by 2% of all women aged 18–49.
Cost was the most frequently cited reason for not obtaining needed fertility care. Among women reporting a need, IVF use was 17% for higher-income women and 3% for low-income women.
Interpretation:
The survey reports that some women who needed fertility services did not obtain them, and that cost was the most frequently cited barrier among those unable to access needed care.
Limitations:
Findings are self-reported and describe women aged 18–49 in the survey; they do not establish causes.
The supplied article context ends during the findings section, so additional results or methodological details may not be represented.
