Minnesota First Lady Clarifies Fertility Treatment Details

Gwen Walz and Doug Emhoff taking a selfie

Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz clarified in a statement that she and Gov. Tim Walz did not use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive, revealing that they utilized a different fertility treatment called intrauterine insemination (IUI). This clarification comes after Gov. Walz had previously spoken about their fertility struggles and the importance of access to IVF treatment during campaign speeches.

Gwen Walz shared that their experience with IUI was a personal and challenging journey that they mostly kept private, with only their next-door neighbor being aware of the details. She highlighted the support she received from her neighbor, a nurse who assisted with the necessary shots for the IUI process.

IUI is a common fertility procedure where sperm is directly placed into the uterus, sometimes combined with ovulation induction medication. Couples often start with IUI and may progress to IVF if needed.

They kept their fertility struggles private, with only their neighbor aware.

Gov. Tim Walz and Gwen Walz used IUI, not IVF, for conception.

IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, often combined with medication.

Anti-abortion groups have advocated for restrictions on IVF treatments, with concerns raised following a ruling in Alabama that classified embryos created through IVF as children. This ruling could potentially impact access to IVF under state abortion laws.

Gwen Walz mentioned the Alabama ruling as a catalyst for sharing their fertility struggles publicly, expressing concerns about the attacks on reproductive health care across the country.

The Harris campaign spokesperson explained Gov. Walz's use of the term IVF as common shorthand for fertility treatments, emphasizing his relatability in discussing personal experiences.

Following the clarification from Gwen Walz, the president of an infertility association expressed regret if their organization had contributed to any confusion regarding the Walz family's fertility journey. The association affirmed support for all paths to parenthood and commended Gov. Walz for advocating on fertility issues.

President of Reproductive Freedom for All, Mini Timmaraju, thanked the Walz family for sharing their story and advocating for accessible reproductive health care for all individuals.