In a recent statement, Gwen Walz, the wife of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, opened up about her experience with fertility treatment, shedding light on a personal and difficult journey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data revealed that about 1.7% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone artificial or intrauterine insemination (IUI) to conceive.

Mrs. Walz expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the process, particularly from their next-door neighbor, a nurse who assisted her with the required injections. However, her comments sparked controversy, as the Trump campaign accused her of misrepresenting their family's journey by suggesting the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) rather than IUI.

IVF has become a contentious campaign issue, leading to calls from groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for stricter regulations on this fertility treatment. Congressional Democrats are also advocating for a bill to prohibit restrictions on IVF nationwide.

Governor Walz, referring to the infertility treatments undergone by his wife, previously described the process as "like IVF." This statement came after the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that classified embryos created through IVF as children, potentially subjecting them to laws governing the wrongful death of a minor. The Harris campaign defended Governor Walz's remarks, stating that he was using common shorthand for fertility treatments and emphasizing the overall threat to reproductive rights.

IUI, a procedure that involves inserting cleaned and concentrated semen into the uterus, offers an alternative for couples struggling to conceive. In comparison, IVF involves a more intricate process of fertilizing eggs outside the womb. The Southern Baptist Convention recently condemned the routine practices of IVF, alleging similarities to abortion.

While IUI has not faced the same level of opposition, concerns regarding multiple pregnancies arise due to the higher chances of twin or higher-order pregnancies. Denominations like the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which have rejected surrogacy, have not objected to IUI. However, the acceptance of artificial insemination varies within religious groups.

Fertility medications, such as those mentioned by Mrs. Walz, are often given to increase the success rates of IUI. These medications stimulate egg production, either through oral tablets or hormone injections. Although IUI has lower success rates compared to IVF, it is a less invasive and costly option.

The average cost of IUI is roughly $2,000 per cycle, significantly lower than the cost of IVF, which can range from $11,000 to $12,000. Notably, coverage for fertility services like IUI and IVF varies across different states.

Providers often recommend IUI as a first-line treatment option for couples struggling to conceive, with success rates of up to 20% per cycle performed monthly, according to the National Institutes of Health. If unsuccessful after three or four IUI cycles, experts suggest considering IVF as the next step, although some patients may benefit from utilizing IVF as a primary treatment.

Mrs. Walz's brave disclosure sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatment. The controversy surrounding the use of terminology highlights the ongoing debate about reproductive rights and the potential impact on various fertility treatments.