June 30, 2025 (Gilbert, AZ) — The Building Military Families Network today announced the release of a comprehensive report from its inaugural 2024 Military Family Building Survey (MFBS), marking a historic milestone in understanding the unique challenges and experiences faced by military families on their journey to parenthood.

The pioneering survey, which collected responses from 207 participants across all military branches, represents the first comprehensive study of its kind dedicated specifically to military family building experiences. The survey examined 33 critical areas, including demographics, family building pathways, healthcare access, support systems, and resource needs within the military community.

"This survey, being the first of its kind initiative for Building Military Families Network, has been a labor of love, and one that has been needed for a long time coming," said Courtney Deady, Community Support Director for the Building Military Families Network. "It is something that confirms that individuals are seen, and not alone. I am beyond proud of our team, and so thankful and grateful to all of our participants for sharing their stories, because if we don't share our own story, someone else will share it for us."

Survey Highlights

The 2024 MFBS captured diverse perspectives from active duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and military-connected individuals across all service branches. Participants shared their experiences across a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Demographics and Military Connection: Military status, branch affiliation, length of service, and family structure

• Family Building Journeys: Fertility treatments, adoption processes, pregnancy experiences, and alternative family building paths

• Healthcare Access and Insurance: Coverage types, treatment accessibility, and insurance navigation challenges

• Support Systems and Resources: Available resources, gaps in support, and community connections

• Barriers and Challenges: Unique military-specific obstacles to family building

• Community and Identity: Representation across diverse military family communities

Impact and Next Steps

The release of this data marks the beginning of a new chapter in military family advocacy and support. The Building Military Families Network plans to use these findings to:

• Develop targeted resources and educational materials

• Advocate for policy improvements affecting military family building

• Create peer support programs based on identified needs

• Partner with healthcare providers to improve military family care

• Guide future research and data collection efforts

"These responses represent real families, real struggles, and real triumphs," added Deady. "Every single participant who took the time to share their story has contributed to something bigger than themselves – they've helped create a foundation for better support, understanding, and resources for military families who will follow in their footsteps."

Leadership Perspective

Julie Eshelmen, Founder, CEO, and President of Building Military Families Network, emphasized the transformative potential of this research: “This survey represents more than data points – it represents the courage of military families to share their most personal journeys in service of helping others. The insights we've gathered will fundamentally change how we approach military family building support and advocacy.

“What strikes me most about these findings is not just what military families have endured, but their incredible resilience and determination to build the families they dream of, despite unique obstacles that civilian families never face. This data gives us the roadmap we need to ensure that military service enhances rather than hinders the path to parenthood," added Eshelman

The President, CEO, and Founder noted that the survey's completion represents a significant milestone for the organization: "When we founded the Building Military Families Network, we knew there was a critical gap in understanding and supporting military families' reproductive journeys. Today, we're not just filling that gap – we're creating an entirely new foundation for evidence-based advocacy and support that will benefit military families for generations to come."

For more information on Building Military Families Network and for ways to get involved, please visit www.buildingmilitaryfamiliesnetwork.org.

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About Building Military Families Network

Building Military Families Network is a 501c3 organization with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network to military and veteran families navigating the challenges in the family-building process through support groups, education, and resources. Their Education Center and Resource Library empower military and veteran families with all the information and tools they need on their journey to parenthood. The Support Group Program provides families with peer support and builds community. Their advocacy efforts are focused on increasing insurance coverage and improving access to all family-building options for military and veteran families. Building Military Families Network is a beacon of hope for building military families. 

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