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“The first thing I said was, I will be OK without a job, but I’m in the middle of IVF, and I need my health insurance.” – Beth Linas, a Jewish Washingtonian who lost her job in 2025 due to federal funding cuts.
Over the past year, the DC area has felt the impact of federal layoffs and funding cuts. One of the unexpected consequences of the transitions was the impact on women and families at varying stages of their fertility journeys, who found themselves suddenly uninsured and not sure where to turn. The Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF), which operates a Greater Washington chapter, has seen a 250% increase in requests since the start of 2025.
JFF’s work caught the attention of NBC4 Washington and eJewish Philanthropy who covered the rapid response to the increased local demand for fertility grants and mental health support following federal funding cuts.
JFF offers fertility grants to help couples find pathways to parenthood. They do this by providing hopeful parents with financial assistance, emotional support, and infertility education to those struggling to build their families.
Currently, 31 states do not require insurers to cover any portion of costs for fertility assistance. According to Fertility IQ, one IVF cycle costs an average of $20,000 in the U.S. This steep price tag forces many people to sacrifice their future financial stability to pay for it, give up hopes of conceiving.
In response, JFF has awarded nearly $3 million in grants, loans, and clinic discounts, supporting more than 1,000 clients across 10 cities. Since it expanded to the DC area in 2022, JFF has awarded 39 fertility grants to local recipients totaling over $100,000 and have assisted more than 100 women with various support services. They also provide resources and networking for those on egg-freezing journeys, facing miscarriage, pursuing surrogacy, foster care, or adoption to form their family.
Jacqueline Westley, a DMV grant recipient still in the process of conceiving, shared her personal story:
“This grant means so much to us—in alleviating the very weighty financial burden of IVF and the psychological stress associated with the financial burden. The support gives me a profound sense of relief and hope and allows me to focus more on the treatment itself rather than the financial stress. Knowing I have JFF in my corner is a great source of emotional strength during this incredibly challenging time.”
In addition to financial assistance, JFF makes connection a priority. They run support groups, match individuals with “fertility buddies,” and host community-building events so that no one feels like they have to walk this difficult path alone. From clergy and clinic trainings to emotional wellness resources and holiday programs, JFF offers wraparound support that helps people feel seen, supported, and included in Jewish life.
A recent survey from Rosov Consulting found that for interfaith couples, engagement with JFF helped:
By supporting individuals during one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives, JFF is helping them feel that they truly belong in the Jewish community.
To learn more, get involved, or support JFF-Greater DC, visit jewishfertilityfoundation.org.