One of the surprises of our first year at Fertility Partnership has been the number of people who have traveled long distances to receive infertility care from us. We’ve had patients fly in from both coasts (in fact, our first babies were just born on the East Coast!) and, incredibly, as far away as Nigeria to take part in our unique blend of compassionate, high-tech, lower-cost IVF.

I really shouldn’t be surprised. In a recent survey, 74 percent of American women age 25 to 45 said they would consider traveling outside the United States to receive fertility treatments. While I’m excited that patients from all over the map are responding to Fertility Partnership’s philosophy of care, I’m also saddened that people seeking infertility care are finding it necessary to travel such long distances – even out of the country – for quality, yet affordable help. To be away from the comforts of home, family and friends at what can be an emotionally and physically draining time is not an easy decision, but when you hear stories like one told by a California patient of ours, you understand why patients choose to travel.

This particular patient was lucky enough to have family here in Missouri, so she literally picked up and moved from California to go through IVF with Fertility Partnership. She made the decision to do so after evaluating many IVF clinics on the West Coast, as well as watching friends go through infertility treatments with local clinics. One neighbor’s experience was typical: she’d spent $75,000 for three rounds of IVF and, devastatingly, never conceived. Our patient decided that, even with a move to the Midwest, the Fertility Partnership experience offered the right combination of quality fertility care at a more reasonable cost.

I’m thrilled to report that patient conceived with her first IVF cycle – for a fraction of the cost her West Coast neighbors and friends were charged, and she’s now enjoying her twin pregnancy with her family in Missouri. While her situation isn’t typical – not everyone has family here, I realize – it is indicative of the lengths people will go to in an effort to find the best assisted reproductive technology for them. In fact, we’ve just had a St. Louis couple who were planning to go all the way to the Czech Republic for IVF find us and decide to stay and receive treatment here at Fertility Partnership.

It’s also part of what Fertility Partnership is trying to change about infertility care. When we have almost three-fourths of women saying they’d consider going outside the United States for health care – any health care – there’s a big problem that needs fixing. A July Newsweek.com article asked the perfect question: “Why is IVF so expensive in the United States?” As Fertility Partnership proves, it doesn’t have to be. It is possible to provide the highest quality fertility care with sincere compassion at a lower cost. We do it for our patients every day.