The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act

Memorandum of Opposition

Re: S6118-A Hoylman-Sigal / A6177-A Paulin
Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility 

The above-referenced legislation would expand upon a 2019 law mandating insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization by clarifying the mandate as covering three completed cycles of IVF. It would also expand the definition of infertility, with the intent of providing coverage for same-sex couples or unpartnered individuals seeking IVF through a third party. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this legislation. 

Infertility is a tragic and complicated problem, and the gift of pregnancy and childbirth is a blessing that many long for. However, in vitro fertilization is a misguided solution that can cause harm to the parties involved. Often, “extra” unborn children are discarded when more embryos are produced than the parents want to implant. These difficult situations are further complicated by the introduction of a third-party donor, a practice often undertaken by same-sex couples or single individuals without a spouse. Insurance coverage is intended to address true medical conditions. In the case of same-sex couples or individuals who wish to have a baby, there is no medical condition that needs treating, but rather a logistical issue. 

Health insurance coverage can be inconsistent across the healthcare industry, and many struggle to obtain it for genuine medical difficulties. We should not be mandating coverage for interventions that involve no underlying medical condition. We urge you to reject this legislation.