By: Brigid Martz Smith -
On June 20th, Connecticut passed bill HB 7124 which provides coverage of cryopreservation of eggs, sperm, or embryo for all patients facing a threat to fertility. More specifically, the new law amends the definition of infertility and is extended to include those whom fertility services are medically necessary.
ASRM sent out the following press release regarding this decision:
Statement of Richard J. Paulson, MD
President, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
“We applaud the leaders in Connecticut for passing the first-in-the-nation bill to mandate insurance coverage that will allow cancer patients to access treatment to protect their fertility. Thanks to advances in oncology, more and more patients of reproductive age are beating their cancer. Often, these treatments end or impair their ability to have children after successful completion. Working with our oncology colleagues we can, in many cases, preserve the fertility of these patients. Too often, lack of insurance coverage creates a financial barrier that keeps patients from getting access to these fertility-preserving treatments. Thanks to the passage of this precedent-setting legislation, patients in Connecticut will not have to choose between their own health, and their ability to have children.”
Legislators, patients, and advocates have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone and we applaud this historic moment. Unfortunately, there is much work to be done across the country to ensure that all patients have access to fertility preservation services. Contact the Alliance for Fertility Preservation to learn how to get involved or contact your state representatives or senators to discuss the importance of fertility preservation coverage for their constituents.