Beyond the Petri Dish: How HRC Fertility is Redefining Patient Care

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 13, 2026 – HRC Fertility, a prominent provider of advanced reproductive care, has once again secured a coveted spot on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Fertility Clinics for 2026. While the recognition highlights the clinic's clinical excellence, it also shines a light on a broader shift within the fertility industry—a move toward a more holistic model that pairs cutting-edge science with deep-seated patient compassion.

This honor, announced during a month dedicated to women's health awareness, reflects a growing demand for fertility services that address not just the biological, but also the emotional and psychological challenges of building a family. With over 100,000 babies now born via IVF annually in the U.S., the patient journey is becoming as important as the clinical outcome.

“We’re honored to be included,” said Kerry Ayazi, administrative president at HRC Fertility. “It reflects the work our teams are doing every day to support patients in building their families now as well as planning for their future families. Our focus is clear—deliver innovative and expert clinical care while striving to ensure patients feel supported throughout.”

The Mark of Excellence

The Newsweek ranking, developed in partnership with global data firm Statista, is more than a simple accolade. It represents a rigorous, multi-faceted evaluation of the top 140 clinics in the nation. The methodology scrutinizes everything from clinical data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to accreditations from bodies like the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and The Joint Commission. Crucially, the 2026 ranking placed an increased emphasis on reputation, incorporating a nationwide survey of medical professionals and factoring in patient satisfaction scores derived from public Google reviews.

Earning a place on this list positions HRC Fertility alongside other elite institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Weill Cornell Medicine, and the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health. For nearly 40 years, HRC has navigated the complex landscape of assisted reproductive technology, and this consistent recognition underscores its status as a leader in a competitive and rapidly advancing field.

Innovation with a Human Touch

What sets HRC Fertility apart in a crowded market is not just its success rates, but its pioneering efforts to improve the patient experience. The clinic has championed innovations that directly address the physical and emotional toll of fertility treatments. One of the most remarkable examples is the “Needle-Free IVF” program, a groundbreaking initiative developed by HRC’s own Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum.

Inspired by patients' struggles with daily injections and observing the technology used in insulin pumps, Dr. Mandelbaum adapted an FDA-approved subcutaneous catheter system, the Neria Guard, for off-label use in IVF. This device allows for the administration of fertility medications through a single, discreet port, eliminating the need for dozens of painful self-injections. After testing the method on herself during her own IVF journey, she launched a clinical trial that confirmed its efficacy and patient preference. Today, approximately 70% of her patients opt for this gentler approach, which has earned its own accolades, including a Gold Hermes Creative Award.

Beyond clinical procedures, the organization is also finding novel ways to address the financial burdens of treatment. Its unique Gift Voucher Program allows friends and family to contribute directly to a patient's care, creating a community of support around what is often a private and costly struggle. These vouchers, available in any amount, can be applied to any service, offering a practical and meaningful way for loved ones to help.

Changing the Conversation in Healthcare

HRC Fertility’s commitment to patient well-being extends beyond its clinic walls and into the very language of medicine. The clinic has spearheaded a national campaign to eliminate the term “geriatric pregnancy,” a label applied to pregnancies in women over 35. The initiative, which won a Platinum Hermes Creative Award, argues that the term is not only outdated but also actively harmful.

Based on original research from a nationwide survey, HRC found that 65% of Americans believe the phrase heightens anxiety, and 68% feel it undermines a woman's self-confidence during pregnancy. Armed with this data, the organization submitted a formal resolution to the California Medical Association to advocate for more respectful, patient-centered language like “advanced maternal age.” The campaign generated over a billion media impressions, sparking a national conversation about the power of words in healthcare and the need for medical terminology to evolve alongside society.

Navigating a Booming and Evolving Industry

The fertility services market is undergoing explosive growth, with a global valuation of nearly $48 billion in 2024 projected to more than double by 2033. This surge is driven by a confluence of factors: rising rates of infertility, which the World Health Organization estimates affects one in six people globally; societal trends of delayed parenthood; and increasing social acceptance of treatments like IVF and egg freezing.

In this dynamic environment, clinics must continuously innovate to meet evolving patient expectations. HRC Fertility has responded by expanding its physical footprint with new centers in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills while simultaneously pushing the technological envelope. The industry as a whole is seeing a wave of new advancements, from artificial intelligence algorithms that improve embryo selection to non-invasive genetic screening and automated lab processes. As access to care expands, thanks in part to new insurance mandates like California's SB729, the focus on providing a supportive, destigmatized, and technologically advanced patient experience will only become more critical for clinics striving to lead the way.