In recent months, the landscape of in vitro fertilization has shifted dramatically in the wake of Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling that declared frozen embryos as legally considered children. Fertility clinics across the country have been grappling with the implications of this decision, which has raised concerns about the future of IVF in a political climate that has become increasingly hostile towards reproductive rights. Although Alabama has since passed legislation to protect IVF, the ruling has sparked a new wave of attacks on the practice from the far-right.
The $8 billion IVF market is facing potential threats to its growth, with companies like Progyny experiencing setbacks. Progyny, the nation’s only publicly traded fertility benefits company, recently saw its shares drop to a two-year low following the ruling. The Southern Baptist Convention also made headlines last week by effectively condemning IVF.
Nightcap had the opportunity to sit down with Gina Bartasi, the founder of Progyny who recently returned to the CEO role at Kindbody after two years as chair. Bartasi discussed the success of Kindbody, a national fertility clinic network she launched in 2018, which has seen rapid growth with 35 clinics across the country. Bartasi highlighted the company’s milestone revenue and profitability, noting a 22% increase in IVF utilization in the month following the Alabama ruling.
Kindbody operates using three revenue channels: direct-to-consumer, self-insured employers, and managed care organizations. Bartasi emphasized the company’s mission to democratize care and provide affordable fertility treatment to millions of Americans. She defended Kindbody’s for-profit model, citing the importance of financial support to expand access to care and reduce costs in a historically expensive and exclusive industry.
As for Kindbody’s potential plans for an initial public offering, Bartasi indicated that while the IPO window may be opening, the focus remains on running a profitable business and serving patients. The company’s mission-driven approach and commitment to patient experience continue to drive its growth and success.
