Getting in vitro fertilization treatments in North Dakota

LINCOLN, N.D. (KFYR) – Wanting kids but not being able to have them is, unfortunately, something a lot of people go through. Some consider alternatives such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Ryan and Tabitha Deraas have been fostering for years but knew they wanted to eventually have children biologically. When they found out it wasn’t possible for them to have children naturally, they considered their options. They had explored fostering-to-adopt, but they were told the ultimate goal of fostering is for kids to be reunited with their families. About a year ago, they decided to look into IVF treatments.

“The discomfort, the drive back and forth— it’s a lot, and it’s very overwhelming. So, to be on the other side, it’s like, ‘We’ve done it,’” Tabitha said.

The Deraases were referred to specialists for treatment. Initially, they thought they’d be able to receive care in Fargo, but when complications arose, they ended up going to CCRM Fertility in Minneapolis. They said they made five or six trips between their home in Lincoln and the clinic, about six to seven hours each way.

The trips could last for a while— one was over a week long— because there was no way to know for certain when Tabitha’s body would be ready for the next procedure. They said they feel lucky their insurance covered IVF treatments and that their family, friends and work were so supportive. Ryan said this was especially true of his supervisor.

“There were times when I’d say ‘Tomorrow, I might have to leave,’ or ‘Tonight, we might have to leave,’ and there was normally no question— she was very accepting of it,” Ryan said.

Tabitha said physically, IVF treatment was incredibly difficult. She said she looked and felt pregnant while undergoing treatment even though she wasn’t, but she said for them, taking Eliora home made all the multi-stepped procedures worth it.

The Deraases said they ended up paying more than $25,000 after insurance. Tabitha encourages people to be considerate of those undergoing IVF treatments, and she encourages those considering this type of procedure to reach out to those who have gone through it before.

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