Humans, like other animals, live to reproduce. And when they can’t, they’re willing to pay a lot for a helping hand. In America, some use credit cards, 401(k)s, and even loans to pay for in vitro fertilization that can cost as much as $12,000 for each round.
The newest way to fund the family unit is to ask strangers. Crowdfunding has become a popular mechanism for many couples who can’t afford the high costs of IVF, or adoption and surrogacy. “It’s not an easy thing to share publicly,” says Crystal Barrett, 33, who used youcaring.com to raise money for medications and other costs while undergoing several cycles of IVF treatment. “But my husband and I were kind of between a rock and a hard place.” Within 45 days of posting their cash goal in December, she and her husband Josh reached their target of $1,500. She is now six months pregnant.
