Gwen Walz discloses utilizing an alternative method rather than IVF for fertility issues in her recent disclosures.
In a recent statement, Gwen Walz revealed that they utilized a distinct method for conception, known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). This procedure was announced by Walz during his political speeches, emphasizing its personal significance to him and his wife's journey to parenthood.
While campaigning alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz frequently spoke about the issue of IVF access, sharing tales of their own struggles to conceive. At a rally in Glendale, Arizona, he expressed his sentiments, stating, "This one's personal for me about IVF and reproductive care."
During an MSNBC interview in July, Walz continued to criticize the opposition of the Republican vice presidential nominee to a bill guaranteeing nationwide IVF access, implying a link between IVF and the birth of his two children, by expressing, "Thank God for IVF, my wife and I have two beautiful children."
Gwen Walz later shared her experience with IUI, describing it as a challenging and intimate procedure. In a statement to CNN, she revealed, "Like so many who have endured these challenges, we kept it primarily secret – not even informing our closest family of the details.''
She also mentioned her neighbor's assistance during this process, who was a nurse and administered the necessary injections.
IUI, similar to IVF, is a common fertility technique utilized by couples trying to conceive. However, anti-abortion groups have urged state authorities to limit IVF, which involves removing an egg from a person's body, combining it with sperm within a lab, and implanting the resulting embryo.
During IUI, known as intrauterine insemination, sperm is placed directly into the uterus. Occasionally, this process is performed in conjunction with ovulation induction, where medication stimulates the release of eggs. Couples with infertility often commence their journey with IUI and progress to IVF if necessary.
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion groups advocated for limitations on IVF care. In February, Alabama's Supreme Court ruled that embryos produced by IVF should be considered children, potentially paving the way for limitations under the state's abortion law.
Gwen Walz cited this ruling as one of the reasons why she and Walz chose to disclose their fertility struggles. She stated, "After observing the intense attacks on reproductive health care across the nation – particularly, the efforts in Alabama threatening access to fertility treatments – Tim and I decided it was time to publicly voice our experience."
Harris campaign spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg explained the Walzes' prior use of the term IVF to refer to their fertility issues by stating, "Walz speaks as a regular person does. He was utilizing a widely recognized abbreviation for fertility treatments."
Responding to Gwen Walz's statement, Barbara Collura, president and CEO of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, expressed regret for generating confusion about the Walzes' method of conception. She added, "RESOLVE regrets if our organization contributed to any misunderstanding about how they became parents. We support all paths to parenthood and have welcomed Gov. Walz's advocacy for our community and our issues since our federal Advocacy Day in 2017 during his tenure in Congress."
Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, thanked the Walz family for sharing their story and their advocacy for ensuring access to reproductive healthcare for all.
Gwen Walz's political speeches often touched upon the importance of accessible IVF, drawing from her personal experiences. In response to criticisms against IVF, Walz emphasized its role in the birth of her children.
