Fertility and family-building benefits: what to ask HR

WHAT IT CAN COVER

1. Family-building benefits vary a lot

• Fertility treatmentLike IUI or IVF
• Fertility preservationLike egg or sperm freezing
• Adoption and surrogacy helpSome employers reimburse costs

COVERAGE QUESTIONS

2. Ask HR these first

• Is there a lifetime dollar maximum?
• Do I need an infertility diagnosis to qualify?
• Does it cover single parents and same-sex couples?
• Is there a care navigator or a separate vendor?

TIME OFF

3. Ask about leave too

• Is parental leave paid?Does it include adoption and foster care?
• FMLA: up to 12 weeks, unpaid and job-protectedFor birth, adoption or foster placement
• FMLA eligibility12 months, 1,250 hours, 50 employees within 75 miles

Source: US Department of Labor.

YOUR RIGHTS

4. Pregnancy and pumping at work

• Pregnant Workers Fairness ActReasonable accommodations at employers with 15+ employees
• PUMP Act: break time to pumpFor 1 year after birth
• A private space that isn't a bathroomShielded from view

Sources: EEOC; US Department of Labor.

ADOPTING?

5. Know the tax rules

• Adoption creditUp to $17,670 of qualified expenses per child in 2026
• Employer adoption benefitsUp to $17,670 can be excluded from income in 2026
• You can't use both for the same expensesA tax pro can help

Source: IRS Topic 607.

BEFORE YOU ASK

6. Make the meeting count

• Read your benefits guide first
• Send your questions to HR in writing
• Ask how appointments fit your shift schedule
• Medical questions go to your doctor