UNC Fertility Forges Alliance with Global Leader to Meet NC's Surging Demand

CHAPEL HILL, NC – February 11, 2026 – In a significant move to address the healthcare needs of a rapidly expanding population, UNC Fertility has announced a strategic partnership with IVI RMA North America, a global leader in reproductive medicine. The collaboration is designed to scale up fertility services across North Carolina, enhancing patient access, integrating clinical best practices, and fostering a new era of joint research and education.

This alliance comes as North Carolina solidifies its position as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. The state’s population recently surpassed 11 million people, with projections estimating a climb to nearly 12 million by 2030. This growth is particularly concentrated in the Research Triangle region, a hub of technology, research, and academia that continues to attract a young, professional demographic.

UNC Health will retain full ownership of the UNC Fertility practice, ensuring that all physicians and staff remain employees of the academic health system. This structure is designed to provide seamless continuity of care for current patients, who will continue to see their dedicated local providers while benefiting from the enhanced resources of the new partnership.

Addressing a Regional Boom

The driving force behind this expansion is the unprecedented demographic shift occurring within the state. Between 2020 and 2025, North Carolina’s population swelled by over 750,000 people, largely fueled by domestic migration. The Triangle area, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, has been at the epicenter of this boom. Wake County alone saw its population increase by over 9% since 2020, while neighboring Johnston County experienced a staggering 18.5% growth since 2018. This influx of residents, many in their prime family-building years, has created a surge in demand for specialized medical services, including reproductive care.

This local trend mirrors a national increase in the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). According to recent data, the number of IVF cycles performed in the United States more than doubled over the past decade, with ART now accounting for over 2.5% of all births. The demand for services like egg freezing has also seen a dramatic rise. However, access remains a critical issue. North Carolina is one of 33 states without an insurance mandate for fertility treatments, making cost a significant barrier for many. By expanding its footprint and operational efficiency, the UNC Fertility partnership aims to broaden access in a challenging market.

“Our region is one of the fastest growing in the country, and its population deserves the best patient care,” said Dr. Colleen Milroy, UNC Health’s Division Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Medical Director at UNC Fertility. “This partnership with IVI RMA will ensure UNC Fertility is well-positioned to scale access over time, adding more providers and locations and broadening the types of treatments available to meet the demands from our diverse and expanding population.”

A Strategic Alliance of Academia and Industry

The partnership represents a powerful synthesis of academic medicine and private industry expertise. UNC Fertility, an integral part of the renowned UNC Health system, brings a legacy of high-quality patient care, strong local ties, and a foundation in academic research. IVI RMA North America, part of a global network with over 200 locations in 15 countries, contributes a wealth of clinical data, operational best practices, and a track record of pioneering innovations that have led to the births of over 220,000 babies worldwide.

This collaboration will see UNC Fertility’s Raleigh location hire several new providers, with concrete plans to explore additional locations throughout the state. The goal is to not only increase capacity but also to integrate IVI RMA’s proven models for patient care, which emphasize evidence-based treatments such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) and single embryo transfers to improve outcomes and patient safety. The competitive landscape in North Carolina includes other highly regarded centers like Duke Fertility Center and Carolinas Fertility Institute, and this strategic alliance positions UNC to significantly enhance its offerings and market presence.

“It’s an honor to partner with a globally recognized academic medical center like UNC Health and build on their already exceptional clinical foundation and outcomes,” said Lynn Mason, CEO of IVI RMA North America. “We’re excited to work with UNC Fertility as their team continues to grow their presence in North Carolina and the surrounding regions.”

Advancing Research and Training Future Leaders

A cornerstone of the agreement is a shared commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine through joint research and education. The partnership will establish new opportunities for collaborative studies, leveraging IVI RMA’s vast clinical data and UNC’s research infrastructure. With a history of publishing over 1,000 scientific papers, IVI RMA is a powerhouse in fertility research, and this alliance is expected to accelerate discovery.

Central to the educational mission is the enhancement of the UNC Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship program. IVI RMA will collaborate directly with the fellowship, preparing a diverse new generation of physicians to become leaders in the field. This educational model draws on IVI RMA’s valuable experience from similar successful partnerships with fellowship programs at Harvard University School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University.

This focus on training is critical for building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem capable of meeting future demand. By investing in the next cohort of specialists, the partnership ensures that North Carolina will not only have more clinics but also the highly skilled providers needed to staff them. This forward-thinking approach reflects a shared dedication to not just treating infertility but also inspiring the future leaders who will continue to push the boundaries of reproductive science.