A Western Massachusetts Family’s Fight for LGBTQI Veteran’s IVF Access

Mar 15

A pregnant mom relaxes in a bathtub in her third trimester

Jansyn and Ashley invited me into their home to document Ashley's pregnancy—a momentous occasion for any family, but particularly so for this courageous duo living in western Massachusetts.

Jansyn and Ashley's path to parenthood was marred by bureaucratic hurdles and systemic discrimination, epitomized by the Department of Veterans Affairs' refusal to cover the costs of their IVF treatment solely based on their same-sex status.

Ashley, a retired Airforce Veteran, took the fight for equality into her own hands, launching a legal battle against the VA's discriminatory policies in August 2023. Their lawsuit, fueled by the quest for justice not only for themselves but for all same-sex couples facing similar challenges, demanded reimbursement for their IVF expenses and policy reforms within the VA.

Portrait of two moms in their baby's nursery during an LGBTQI same sex Maternity Photo Session in western Massachusetts.

Candid photo of a golden retriever resting by his owner's bathtub during an LGBTQI candid Maternity Photo session in western massachusetts.

A same sex couple holds hands while a pregant partner relaxes in a bathtub during her third trimester of pregnancy.

A pregnant mom relaxes in a bathtub with her partner beside her in their western massachusetts home during an LGBTQI candid maternity photo session in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Recently, the tides of change began to sweep through the corridors of the VA.

This March, in a landmark decision, the department announced its plans to expand IVF coverage to include same-sex couples—a move directly influenced by the tenacity and perseverance of Ashley and Jansyn.

Their victory in the courtroom will no doubt serve as a beacon of hope for countless same-sex families across the nation and spark a conversation about inclusivity and equality in a society where every family deserves to be recognized and supported.

Congrats to these two trailblazing parents. They have undoubtedly shaped the life of their baby Wilder, and of so many families in our country for years to come.