Pennsylvania HR 587: A Resolution recognizing July 25, 2026, as "World IVF Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3785
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 587
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY O'MARA, MAYES, MALAGARI, HOHENSTEIN, CONKLIN,
KHAN, KUTZ, DEASY, GUENST, HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, POWELL,
D. WILLIAMS AND FLEMING, JULY 20, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, JULY 20, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing July 25, 2026, as "World IVF Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a series of
medical procedures designed to help individuals or couples
experiencing infertility issues get pregnant; and
WHEREAS, The IVF process involves the extraction of eggs from
the ovaries of the patient or donor, the fertilization of the
eggs in a petri dish using sperm from a partner or donor and the
transfer of the fertilized eggs to the uterus of the patient or
a gestational carrier; and
WHEREAS, Embryologists are necessary for the IVF process and
all infertility treatments, as embryologists are the ones who
monitor the fertilized eggs to ensure that they are healthy
before transferring to the uterus; and
WHEREAS, Embryologists also perform genetic testing to
identify any potential genetic disorders that may be present in
the fertilized egg, and embryologists can also perform
Preimplantation Genetic Testing to determine if there are
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genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities present that may
be the cause of miscarriage or infertility issues; and
WHEREAS, Since the first baby to be successfully born from
IVF on July 25, 1978, more than 10 million babies have been born
using IVF worldwide, with more than 500,000 new IVF births each
year; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, roughly 3% of all births each
year are the result of IVF; and
WHEREAS, IVF often serves as the only chance for those
experiencing fallopian tube damage, ovulation disorders, male
factor infertility, recurrent miscarriages, genetic problems and
other infertility issues to become pregnant and grow their
family; and
WHEREAS, The IVF process is not without risks, as the
procedures not only carry a high financial cost, with each IVF
cycle costing on average more than $15,000, but it also
increases the odds of developing certain health complications,
such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or twisting of the
ovary or fallopian tubes; and
WHEREAS, There is also the risk of pregnancy complications,
such as multiple pregnancies and ectopic pregnancies as well as
low birth weight and premature birth; and
WHEREAS, Despite the potential risks, access to IVF is
crucial for couples who may not be able to conceive without the
process; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the important role embryologists
play in providing infertility treatment to those who wish to
start a family, "World Embryologist Day" is celebrated on July
25; and
WHEREAS, In celebration of the advancements made in fertility
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medicine, "World IVF Day" is celebrated on July 25, the birthday
of the first IVF baby; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize July
25, 2026, as "World IVF Day" in Pennsylvania.
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