Requires certain insurance policies to provide coverage for fertility preservation services

• Democratic13
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

Under current law, fertility preservation services are only mandated for coverage when infertility results from medical treatments. While this addresses a critical need for individuals undergoing procedures like chemotherapy, it fails to account for the myriad reasons someone may wish to preserve their fertility. For most New Yorkers, the cost of egg freezing remains unattainable, creating a significant and often ovena- heiming financial barrier. This burden is especially acute during the prime reproductive years when egg freezing is most effective. Unless someone is independently wealthy or fortmate enough to work for one of the small percenteve of employers that offer fertility preservation benefits, they are effectively excluded from using this advanced medical tool to plan their families and their futures. Many individuals delay childbearing for reasons such as achieving finan- cial stability, pursuing higher education, or addressing family health risks, such as a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer. These are valid and pressing concerns, yet they fall outside the current scope of coverage. Moreover, it is unacceptable that New Yorkers can find more affordable fertility preservation options abroad, though even this alternative remains financially inaccessible for most, further high- lighting the inequity in the current system. In an era of unprecedented medical advancement, egg freezing, and other fertility preservation services should not be luxuries reserved for the privileged few. These tools allow individuals to take control of their reproductive health and family planning, fostering personal and economic stability. By restricting access to these services, New York perpetuates a system in which only the wealthy can fully benefit from medical progress. The current system contradicts our values as a state committed to equity and opportunity for all. This legislation builds on the 2019 law by removing the restriction that fertility preservation services be covered only in cases of iatrogenic infertility. It acknowledges the broader circumstances under which indi- viduals might need these services and ensures that coverage is equitable and accessible to most New Yorkers. This effort also aligns New York with a growing movement to make advanced reproductive technology a stan- dard rather than a luxury. New Yorkers should not have to choose between pursuing their dreams or building a family. This legislation is a critical step toward rectifying the inequity affecting those without financial means. By expanding access to fertility preservation services, New York can reaffirm its leadership in promoting reproductive rights and health equity for all. As a state that has often led the nation in reproductive health poli- cies, New York has the opportunity to set a new national standard.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.