Yesterday, I thought my worries about financing further infertility treatments were over.
Today, I’m bummed and incredibly angry.
I found the Web site for a non-profit organization called Free-IVF which, as the name suggests, provides funding for free ivf treatments. I’m sure you’re thinking that sounds too good to be true and I thought so myself. But, I studied the Web site and read the testimonials and thought it sounded legit. One requirement to participate is to make a minimum of a $100 donation to the organization, but I really didn’t think much about that. As I told Joe, I would be more than willing to donate to and help an organization that can help me with the financial side of having a baby. And any organization dedicated to helping infertile couples to me is amazing. As the Web site says, couples shouldn’t have to stress about how to come up with tens of thousands of dollars to be able to have a baby.
Then, I discovered that you have to pay to join the Web site’s forums.
Then, we tried calling and the phone number was disconnected.
Then, I went to Google and found message boards where women had posted that they had been on a waiting list for this organization for more than two years, after being told it would be an 8-10 month wait, and still had heard nothing.
And then, I found a site calling out free-ivf.com as a scam. The blogger reported the company to the Better Business Bureau only to discover that there were two other claims against it.
I cannot fathom people who would scam couples who are so desperate to have a child. I would do *anything* to be able to have a baby, and things like this make me so angry. Luckily, I didn’t lose any money to them. And, if I had, I know that it would have been my fault.
I’m just so ready to be done with the worrying and the stress, but I know that won’t subside for a while. I just wish all states would follow the lead of those who already require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments. It’s a medical condition just like any other. It needs to be covered. It’s so sad that so many couples have to pay *so* much money just to have a baby.
Sugar & Ice says
This is one of the most depressing things when it comes to IF. If it weren’t so dang expensive we wouldn’t have to stress out so much over whether it will work or not. We’ve spent enough on IF treatment to buy three brand new cars…enough to pay about a third of our mortgage off…it’s sickening. Of course, my three girls are totally worth every penny, but that doesn’t mean that I’m OK with the fact that we had to pay that. It’d be nice if every state had some sort of mandated coverage, but unfortunately there are only 14 or 15 states out of 50 that offer any required coverage. Of those 14 or 15, the rules vary greatly…some don’t actually have to offer it…and even in those states that do, companies get around it by purchasing insurance from an out of state company. For instance, a company in one of those states could take out coverage with an insurance company in Tennessee and totally get around the mandate…or at least that’s how I’ve heard it’s worked in certain states. Unfortunately, a lot of people who have never gone through infertility don’t agree that infertility treatment is medically necessary. I guess it’s not in the sense that it won’t kill you and it can be lived with…but most insurance policies cover abortion…birth control…tubal ligation…vasectomy…dermatological treatment…athletes foot…I could go on forever..none of those would kill you if you didn’t get treatment for them….yet, somehow IF treatment gets swept under the rug as something that’s not important, and I think for the most part it’s because people are not compassionate about things they’ve never gone through and can’t relate to. It’s maddening.
Karen says
That is awful. I hope that the people who scammed others get their just return. There are always those who try to make money off of other’s misfortunes or needs.
Nanette says
That’s the most horrific thing I’ve heard in a long time.
Heather in Beautiful BC says
I’m glad you’ve shared this scam as no one should have to be faced with that type of fraud.
mistipurple says
This is so not right. Some people have no conscience.
Hellan says
awww my heart goes out to you, and sending you big cyber hugs.These dispicable people need locking up, praying on people who are in this situation is more than criminal its inhumane.
Try not to give up, my thoughts are with you xx
Stomphoof says
scams happen. Thats life on the web and I do my best to avoid it. You did right though, checking it out very throughly before commiting.
daria369 says
Just think of the beauty of Internet where all this sharing is possible and people are able to find whatever information they ever need… You are one amazing person and you will be OK. May you always stay focused on the bright side of your life and smile. 🙂
windyridge says
There will always be nasty charachetrs looking to take advantage of people in bad situations. Sad but true.
Connie says
I’m sorry about your infertility issue and insurance not covering IVF. It’s good though that you researched this site before you got involved with it.
I have no advice, but some prayers and thoughts to send your way.
Maggie's Mind says
It’s heartbreaking that scams so often revolve around things like this because they know that people want something so much. Makes me angry. I’m one who will more likely than not be unable to afford to do what it will require to become a parent through IVF or adoption, so this hits very close to home. Scammers just suck.