Fertility and Disabilities

A Profile of Dr. Mitchell S. Tepper

By Jennifer M. Paquette

Tepper also believes that the stress of trying to conceive "naturally" may itself be a deterrent. "There's a growing literature on stress ... people who try and try to conceive, and when they stop trying, they conceive," he explains. "There's some indication that the stress of the process impedes the process itself."

Stress is a recurring theme for Tepper these days. That's because he and Cheryl have recently re-entered the baby-making arena. Deeply in love with Jeremy, they want to try again. Yet, this time, there are new odds against them – not medical, but financial. Increasing difficulty with his and with Cheryl's fertility have created unforeseen hurdles.

With SCI, Tepper says, "if you have enough money for high-end [sperm retrieval] procedures and there are no female factors, your chances are great of having a child." Tepper now says the chances of conception have risen to "roughly 70-80 percent" – with enough money. His own odds, however, aren't so rosy.

"My insurance carrier ... fought me tooth and nail," he says, sighing. "Those are the practicalities of finances in this country." Added to the stress of trying to conceive is now the time cost of doing battle with insurance companies, a cost which may, in the end, not be worth the sacrifices it entails.

But Tepper is clearly content with his family. He talks about flying a kite with Jeremy, "revisiting [his] own childhood" – the joys of any parent. But, he says, people with disabilities or people who have difficulty obtaining a baby naturally have an extra pride in the end result. And, if nothing else, this new battle is a constant reminder of just how precious Jeremy really is.