Understanding State in Vitro Fertilization Policies Using Political Culture and Policy Liberalism

Abstract

Rodney E Stanley*

Purpose Statement: This study intends to explain the differences in IVF policy across the 50 states using political culture and policy liberalism as indicators, explaining why some states adopt IVF policies while others do not.

Literature: After reviewing the literature for this study, a gap exists in empirically explaining why some states require employers to cover IVF treatment through employer-based insurance policies, while others do not.

Data: This study incorporates multiple socioeconomic and political variables to answer the research question.

Methods: This study utilizes a policy diffusion model similar to Berry and Berry's landmark work explaining policy adoption across the 50 states.

Findings: Utilizing a logistic regression model, the study found that policy liberalism is a significant factor in predicting IVF policy regulation and adoption across the states

Limitations: Although quantitative techniques help explain general patterns of policy diffusion, to gain more in-depth knowledge of state cultural differences in IVF policy adoption and regulation, especially those states with similar political cultures, future studies should incorporate qualitative techniques that could provide the breadth and depth needed to understand these differences.

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