RESOLVE works with advocacy volunteers and other organizations to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. In 2017, RESOLVE will be tracking bills that impact the infertility community, whether they are pro-family or anti-family bills. Find out what is happening in your state. If you know of a bill in your state but it is not listed below, please contact RESOLVE at info@resolve.org.
Arkansas
Resolution Number: SJR 9
Resolution Name: “An application to Congress to call a Convention for proposing an amendment under the United State Constitution, Article V, for the purpose of proposing an amendment providing that every human being from the moment of conception is a person and entitled to the right to life.” Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This Senate Joint Resolution is so-called “personhood” legislation that “every human being from the moment of conception is a person and entitled to the right to life.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE opposes this Resolution.
- Current status of the Resolution in the legislative process: The resolution passed in both chambers and was approved by the Governor on 4/10/2017. To amend the U.S. Constitution, a constitutional convention must be called by two-thirds of the State legislatures so this resolution will have no impact and does not change any laws or practices in Arkansas.
- Link to Resolution: SJR 9;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation and Letter of Opposition.
Bill Number: HB 2075
Bill Name: To Prohibit Commercial Surrogacy Arrangements And the Enforcement of Surrogacy Arrangements Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill will prohibit compensated surrogacy arrangements in the state.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: This bill died in Committee.
- Link to Bill: HB 2075;
California
Bill Number: AB 1396
Bill Name: Surrogacy Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: Clarifies donor law, including egg donors, and venue/jurisdiction in CA, which is important when people leave CA and other states’ courts try to impose their law related to ART/donors/surrogacy.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill passed both chambers and was approved by the Governor on 9/27/17.
- Link to Bill: AB 1396;
Bill Number: AB 569
Bill Name: the Reproductive Health Nondiscrimination Act Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: It would protect workers from firing or any other punishment for their reproductive health choices.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill passed in the Senate and in the Assembly but was vetoed by the Governor on 10/15/17.
- Link to Bill: AB 569;
- Read RESOLVE’s letter of support
Bill Number: SB 172
Bill Name: Health care coverage: fertility preservation Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill impacts heath care plans issued on or before January 1, 2018 that covers hospital, medical, surgical, and other iatrogenic expenses for diagnoses with medical interventions that could or does lead to iatrogenic infertility. It requires those plans to also cover resulting infertility treatment. However, this will not impact specialized health care service plans or a specialized health insurance policies.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: SB. 172 was introduced on 1/23/17 and referred to the Committee on Health. Bill was amended, passed and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it was placed on the Appropriations Suspense file.
- Link to Bill: SB 172;
Connecticut
Bill Numbers: HB 5968 HB 7124
Bill Name: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Fertility Preservation For Insureds Diagnosed With Cancer Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill would mandate insurance coverage for fertility preservation for men and women before undergoing cancer treatments.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill’s language was added as an amendment to HB 7124 and passed by the House unanimously on 5/25/17 and by the Senate on 6/2/17. It is headed to the Governor for signature. The Governor signed the bill into law on 6/20/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 5968; HB 7124
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Support.
Delaware
Bill Number: SB 132
Bill Name: An Act to Amend Title 18 Relating to Insurance Coverage for Fertility Care Services Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This Act requires that health insurance offered in this State provide coverage for fertility care services, including in vitro fertilization (“IVF”) procedures for persons, who along with their partner, suffer from a disease or condition that results in the inability to procreate or to carry a pregnancy to viability.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Introduced and assigned to Banking, Business & Insurance Committee in Senate on 7/12/2017. The regular session has adjourned and will resume in January 2018.
- Link to Bill: SB 132;
District of Columbia
Bill Number: B21-0016
Bill Name: “Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act of 2016” Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill legalizes compensated gestational carrier arrangements in the District of Columbia and clarifies parentage for intended children from gestational surrogacy and from donor egg, sperm, and embryo.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill became law on April 7, 2017.
- Link to Bill: B21-0016;
Hawaii
Bill Number: HB 664 and SB 502
Measure Title: Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill removes discriminatory requirements for mandatory insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization procedures to create parity of coverage for same-sex couples, unmarried women, and male-female couples for whom male infertility is the relevant factor.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The House Committee on Health deferred the bill and recommended it be carried over to the 2018 Regular Session.
- Link to Bil HB 664; SB 502
- Read the current HI state insurance mandate and RESOLVE’s letter of support.
- Read Hawaii LGBTQ Couples Seek Equal Access to Fertility Treatment from NBC.com
Bill Number: HB 677
Measure Title: Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill amends insurance coverage requirements for in vitro fertilization to allow for expanded applicability, including removing the five-year history of infertility requirement.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: House Committee on Health deferred the bill and recommended it be carried over to the 2018 Regular Session.
- Link to Bill: HB 677
- Read the current HI state insurance mandate and RESOLVE’s letter of support.
Bill Number: SB 515
Bill Name: Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This legislation ensures an insured’s dependents are eligible to receive the one-time fertilization benefits outlined in her previous legislation (HB 664, HB 677, HB 1562, and SB 502) including coverage for expenses derived from in vitro fertilization procedures. These benefits include coverage for infertility related to endometriosis, exposure to in utero to diethylstilbestrol, blocked or removed fallopian tubes, abnormal male factors contributing to infertility.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Senate Health and Judiciary Committees deferred the bill and recommend it be carried over to the 2018 Regular Session.
- Link to Bill: SB 515;
Resolution Number: HCR56 and SCR 57
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This resolution requests the Department of the Attorney General to conduct a study on surrogacy and gestational carrier agreements.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE is neutral but offered to be a resource for the study.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Resolution passed and adopted on 5/2/2017.
- Link to Bill: HCR 56; SCR 57
- Read RESOLVE’s letter to the Health Committee
Bill Number: HB 1562
Bill Name: Relating To Cancer Patients Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill would mandate insurance coverage for fertility preservation for men and women before undergoing cancer treatments.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: House Committee on Health deferred the bill and recommend it be carried over to the 2018 Regular Session.
- Link to Bill: HB 1562;
- Read RESOLVE’s letter of support
Illinois
Bill Number: HB 2617
Bill Name: Insurance CD-FERTILITY PRESERVATION Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to provide that a policy of accident or health insurance shall provide coverage for medically necessary expenses for standard fertility preservation services when a necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to an enrollee.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced and assigned to the Human Services Committee on 02/22/2017 and referred to the Rules Committee on 3/31/17. Legislature adjourned on 5/31/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 2617;
- Read Commentary: Give cancer survivors a chance to save their fertility published by the Chicago Tribune
Indiana
Bill Number: HB 1059
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: An act to amend the insurance law to require coverage for in vitro fertilization procedures.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the Insurance Committee on 1/4/17. Legislation adjourned on 4/29/2017.
- Link to Bill: HB 1059;
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Support
Bill Number: HB 1134
Bill Name: “Protection of life” Added: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This is personhood legislation that “Redefines ‘human being’ for purposes of the criminal code to conform to the finding that human physical life begins when a human ovum is fertilized by a human sperm.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Policy on 1/9/17. Legislature adjourned on 4/29/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 1134;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Iowa
Bill Number: SF 253 and HF 297
Bill Name: “An Act relating to the protection of life beginning at conception”
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill is so-called “personhood” legislation and recognizes that “life is valued and protected from the moment of conception, and each life, from that moment, is accorded the same rights and protections guaranteed to all persons by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and the laws of this state.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The Senate bill was introduced and referred to Judiciary Committee on 02/14/17. The House bill was introduced and referred to Human Resources Committee on 2/14/17. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee recommended passage on 2/27/17.
- Link to Bill: SF 253; HF 297
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Kansas
Resolution Number: HCR 5009
Resolution Name: State constitution, human life amendments. Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This is personhood legislation that “Redefines ‘human being’ for purposes of the criminal code to conform to the finding that human physical life begins when a human ovum is fertilized by a human sperm.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Resolution in the legislative process: The bill was referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs on 2/3/2017. Legislature is adjourned until 1/18/18.
- Link to Resolution: HCR 5009;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Kentucky
Bill Number: SB 179
Bill Name: An Act relating to coverage for fertility preservation services. Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill would mandate insurance coverage for fertility preservation for men and women before undergoing cancer treatments.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced on 2/14/17 and referred to Banking & Insurance Committee; the bill died in committee.
- Link to Bill: SB 179;
Maryland
Bill Number: HB 876 and SB 918
Bill Name: Health Insurance – Coverage of Fertility Preservation Procedures for Iatrogenic Infertility Updated: March 15, 2017
- Description of Bill: The bill covers fertility preservation for cancer patients and others whose medical treatment may cause infertility.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The House bill was referred to the Health and Government Operations Committee on 2/6/17 with a hearing scheduled for 3/2/17. The Senate bill was referred to the Finance Committee on 2/3/17 with a hearing scheduled for 3/8/17. Both Committees recommended an independent study on the financial impact of the bills to be completed in time for the bills to be considered next session.
- Link to Bill: HB 876; SB 918;
- Read RESOLVE’s letter of support.
Bill Number: SB 96
Bill Name: Health Insurance – Coverage for Fertility Awareness-Based Methods Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill requires certain insurers, particularly nonprofits, to provide coverage for fertility-awareness programs and prohibits them from charging copayments or deductibles for these programs. The bill also provides definitions and lists a set of example fertility-based programs.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The House bill was referred to the Health and Government Operations Committee on 2/6/17 with a hearing scheduled for 3/2/17. The Senate bill was referred to the Finance Committee on 2/3/17 with a hearing scheduled for 3/8/17. Both Committees recommended an independent study on the financial impact of the bills to be completed in time for the bills to be considered next session.
- Link to Bill: SB 96;
Minnesota
Bill Numbers: SF 707 and HF 2593
Bill Name: Gestational Carrier Act Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill establishes requirements for gestational carrier contracts and reflects the consensus points reached by the Legislative Commission on Surrogacy to protect all participants, including mental health/physical exams for gestational carrier candidates; mental health exams for intended parents; independent legal representation for gestational carriers and intended parents; and clarifying Minnesota’s parentage law so that intended parents don’t have to incur the expense of adopting their own child.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: SF 707 was introduced and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee on 02/06/17. HF 2593 was introduced and referred to the Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee on 04/07/17. The Legislature adjourned on 5/26/2017 and will reconvene on 2/20/18.
- Link to Bill: As Introduced: SF 707; HF 2593
- Read “New Push to Reign in Surrogacy” and “Minnesota needs clarity on surrogacy laws” published in the Minnesota Star-Tribune and supportive letters to the editor.
- Watch “Lawmakers Seek To Streamline, Regulate Surrogacy” aired on local CBS station.
Bill Number: HF 4
Bill Name: Omnibus Tax Bill Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: Current Minnesota law allows a tax credit of $2,000 in cases of stillbirths. This credit is to be used for burial costs. Members of the tax conference committee have approved a tax bill, H.F. 4, that denies parents who lose their child to stillbirth in a gestational surrogacy arrangement from receiving the tax credit.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Legislative leaders are working with the Governor to reach agreement on the budget bills before the May 22nd deadline. The language barring the tax credit for intended parents in a gestational surrogacy arrangement has now been removed.
- Link to Bill: HF 4;
Mississippi
Bill Numbers: SB 2655; HB 451 and 507
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: An act to require health insurance policies which provide pregnancy related benefits to provide coverage for medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility. The bill also covers fertility preservation for cancer patients and others whose medical treatment may cause infertility.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Bills died in committee on 1/31/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 451; HB 507; SB 2655;
Missouri
Bill Number: HB 112
Bill Name: Changes the laws regarding custody of in vitro human embryos Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This is a so-called “personhood” bill and establishes that the “in vitro human embryo is recognized as a human being in this state…and has all the rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was reported Do Pass by the Judiciary Committee and referred to Rules Committee on 4/12/2017. Bill died in Committee.
- Link to Bill: HB 112;
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Opposition.
Resolution Number: HJR 18
Resolution Name: “Proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the right to life” Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This House Joint Resolution is so-called “personhood” legislation that “recognizes the right to life of every unborn human child at every stage of biological development.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE opposes this Resolution.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: HJR was introduced and read for the first time on 01/05/17. It was read for the second time on 1/9/17 and referred to Committee on Children and Families on 1/31/17 with a hearing scheduled for 2/14/17. A committee vote is scheduled for 2/21/17. The Committee on Children and Families voted Do Pass on 2/21/2017 and the bill was referred to Rules-Legislative Oversight Committee and voted Do Pass on 3/27/17. No further hearings scheduled.
- Link to Bill: HJR 18;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Bill Number: HB 709
Bill Name: “Missouri Right to Life Act” Added: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill “establishes the “”Missouri Right to Life Act.”, which changes the laws regarding the finding that life begins at conception.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was referred to the Children and Families Committee on 2/16/2017. No hearings scheduled.
- Link to Bill: SB 754;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Montana
Bill Number: MT [R] HB 595
Bill Name: Constitutional amendment to define person Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill defines “person” as “members of the species Homo sapiens at any stage of development, including the stage of fertilization or conception.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill died in process on 4/28/2017.
- Link to Bill: HB 595;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Opposition
- Action Needed: If you live in Montana, stop this bill by sending this Action Alert to lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee. Act now!
New Jersey
Bill Number: A 1447 and S 1398
Bill Name: An Act concerning infertility coverage under certain health insurance plans. Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill expands the current infertility insurance mandate in New Jersey “to certain women that are currently denied coverage for those benefits under certain health insurance plans… such as lesbians, women without partners, or women with partners who have protected intercourse.” The bill also reduces the waiting period for heterosexual couples from two years to one year for women under 35 years of age and from one year to six months for women 35 and over, and requires the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees Health Benefits Plan to provide this expanded insurance coverage.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was signed into law by the Governor on 5/1/17.
- Link to Bill: A 1447; S 1398
- Read NJ insurance mandate.
Bill S1238
Bill Name: New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: Authorizes certain gestational carrier agreements.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill passed in the Senate on 6/26/17 but stalled in the Assembly.
- Link to Bill: S1238;
New York
Bill Number: S 3148A and A 2646A
Bill Name: The Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act (FAFTA) Updated: October 4, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill expands the current infertility insurance law in New York state to include insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation for cancer patients, and adds non-discrimination language to ensure that all eligible individuals can receive coverage.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced in the Senate and Assembly on 1/20/17 and passed in the Assembly on 6/19/2017. The Senate did not act before adjourning in June 2017, so the bill remains in the Senate Insurance Committee, and the Assembly will need to vote again on the bill but not go through any Committees in 2018.
- Link to Bill: S 3148A; A 02646A
- Read Letter: Reproduction options limited by state laws published by Times Union.
- Read the current State insurance mandate and RESOLVE’s Letter of Support for FAFTA.
- Read Savino, Simotas want to expand fertility treatment insurance coverage published by the Legislative Gazette
- Read Lawmakers push IVF insurance coverage; industry pushes back published by the Times Union
- Read Simotas urges passage of her Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act published by the Times Ledger
- Read Simotas Calls For In-Vitro Fertilization To Be Covered By Health Insurance published by the Queens Tribune
- Read Women battling cancer fight for insurance help to make sure they can have children published by the pix11.com
- Action Needed: Send this letter to your state lawmakers and the Governor to make 2018 the year we pass FAFTA! To do even more, visit the FAFTA Toolkit.
Bill Numbers: S17A, and A 6959A
Bill Name: Child Parent Security Act
Updated: October 4, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill legalizes compensated gestational carrier arrangements in New York State and clarifies parentage for intended children from gestational surrogacy and from donor egg, sperm, and embryo.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this bill.
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee on 1/3/17. The bill was introduced in the State Assembly and referred to the Judiciary Committee on 3/28/17. Both chambers adjourned in June 2017 without yon the bill so the bill remains in the respective Judiciary Committees when the new legislative session starts in January 2018.
- Link to Bill: S 17A; A. 6959A
- Read Letter: Reproduction options limited by state laws published by Times Union.
- Read “Battle Over Paid Surrogacy Opens New Front,” published in Time magazine, “Make Surrogacy Legal in New York,” published in the Albany Times Union, Legislators seek overhaul of surrogacy laws from Albany Times Union and Repeal NY surrogacy ban to reflect rest of the country published by Times Union.
- Action Needed: Send this letter to your state legislators and the Governor to make 2018 the year we pass CPSA!
Bill Numbers: SB 322 AB 5208
Added: April 14, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill prohibits health insurance policies from being limited, restricted, or have additional requirements placed upon them due to whether or not the insured has a partner of the same sex. The bill also prohibits health insurance policies from limiting access to in vitro fertilization based on whether or not the insured has a partner of the same sex or the sexual history of the insured.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The Senate bill was introduced on 1/3/17 and sent to the Committee on Insurance on the same day for consideration. The Assembly bill was introduced on 2/6/2017 and sent to the Committee on Insurance on the same day for consideration.
- Link to Bill: SB 322; AB 5208
Bill Number: AB 2415
Bill Name: Mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for non-experimental infertility treatments Added: April 14, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill amends the insurance laws of 1990 and 1992 to clarify that procedures covered under the law do not exclude surgeries to correct deformation as well as tests related to infertility. Coverage is not required in the cases of the reversal of elective sterilization, sex change procedures, cloning, or experimental medical or surgical devices. The bill also limits lifetime coverage to $100,000 per insured person and allows insurers to limit coverage in the cases of in vitro fertilization to individuals who have already failed to conceive in other infertility treatments.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Rep. Amy Paulin (DEM-NY) introduced this bill on January 19, 2017. The same day it was referred to the Insurance Committee.
- Link to Bill: AB 2415;
Bill Number: AB 528
Bill Name: AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization treatments Added: April 14, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill extends health insurance coverage to in vitro fertilization by amending the insurance law of 2002.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Rep. Linda Rosenthal (D-NY) introduced this bill on January 8, 2017. The same day it was referred to the Insurance Committee.
- Link to Bill: AB 528;
North Carolina
Bill Number: H 163
Bill Name: Enact Right to Life at Conception Act Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill is so-called “personhood” legislation that recognizes “the right to life … is vested in each human being… at all stages of life including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, and other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced and referred to Health Committee in 1/25/17.
- Link to Bill: H 163; AB 528
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Oregon
Bill Number: SB 859
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill requires physician to discuss issues related to fertility with adolescent oncology patient
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was referred to the Senate Health Care Committee on 2/27/17, where it remained upon adjournment on 7/7/17.
- Link to Bill: SB 859;
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Support
Pennsylvania
Bill Number: SB 148
Bill Name: Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in health and accident insurance, providing for coverage for infertility treatment. Added: April 14, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill adds infertility treatment to the Insurance Company Law of 1921. The coverage may exclude coverage of procedures reversing elective sterilization, impose restrictions on waiting periods, exclude coverage of women beyond childbearing years, restrict coverage for assisted reproductive techniques to policyholder or spouse, impose a restriction of three assisted reproductive technology procedures that a policyholder or spouse may attempt, and require a copayment and deductible.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: Sen. Lisa Boscola (DEM-PA) introduced this bill on January 20, 2017. On the same day it was referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance. On March 7, SB 148 became known as Act 392.
- Link to Bill: SB 148;
Rhode Island
Bill Number: H 5530
Bill Name: An Act Relating to Insurance — Infertility Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill changes the current IVF mandate to eliminate the marriage requirement.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: House Corporations Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Support.
Bill Number: H 6710A and S 0821A
Bill Name: An Act Relating to Insurance Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill would mandate insurance coverage for medically necessary expenses for standard fertility preservation services when a necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered person.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: This bill was signed into law on 7/5/17.
- Link to Bill: S 0821A; H 6710A
- Read RESOLVE’s Letter of Support
South Carolina
Bill Number: S 10
Updated: March 20, 2017
- Description of Bill: An act to amend the insurance law to require coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE supports this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance on 1/10/17.
- Link to Bill: S 10;
- Watch “Lawmakers file bill to require health insurance coverage for infertility after advocates push for change“
- Action Needed: Please send this letter to your State Senator to let them know you want infertility and IVF coverage added to SC’s insurance laws.
Bill Number: S 217 and H 3530
Bill Name: “The Personhood Act of South Carolina” Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill establishes “that the right to life for each born and preborn human being vests at fertilization and that the rights of due process and equal protection, guaranteed by … the constitution of this state, vest at fertilization for each born and preborn human being.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 1/10/2017 and to the House Judiciary Committee on 1/19/17 and then to Subcommittee on 3/22/17.
- Link to Bill: S 217; H 3530
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Tennessee
Bill Numbers: SB 1153 and HB 1406
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill “repeals statute that deems a child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination, with consent of the married woman’s husband, to be the legitimate child of the husband and wife.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bills were introduced on 2/9/17 and passed on first and second consideration in both chambers; the Senate bill was referred to Judiciary Committee and the House bill to Health Subcommittee.
- Link to Bill: SB 1153 ; HB 1406
- Action Needed: If you live in Tennessee, please send this letter to your State Senator and Representative to let them know you oppose this bill that discriminates against married couples who need donor sperm to build their family. Act now and enlist others to send letters as well!
Bill Numbers: SB 754 and HB 895
Bill Name: “Sanctity of Human Life Act” Added: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This is personhood legislation that “declares that human life begins with fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, at which time all legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood attach.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The Senate bill was introduced and passed on first consideration on 02/08/2017 and then passed on second consideration and referred to the Judiciary Committee on 2/13/17. The House bill was introduced on 02/08/2017 and passed on first consideration on 02/09/2017.
- Link to Bill: SB 754; HB 895
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Texas
Bill Number: HB 948
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill is so-called “personhood” legislation “recognizing the rights, powers, and privileges of all unborn children at every stage of gestation from fertilization until birth; affecting criminal offenses and penalties.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced on 1/11/17 and referred to State Affairs. The legislature adjourned on 5/29/17 and does not meet in even years unless a special session is called by the Governor.
- Link to Bill: HB 948;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Resolution Number: HJR 121
Resolution Name: Life at Conception provision of the Texas Constitution’s Bill of Rights Added: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to life of unborn children and prohibiting abortion to the fullest extent possible.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE opposes this resolution
- Current status of the Resolution in the legislative process: The resolution was introduced on 3/10/17. The legislature adjourned on 5/29/17 and does not meet in even years unless a special session is called by the Governor.
- Link to Resolution: HJR 121;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
- Action Needed: Sign up for RESOLVE Advocacy Alerts to receive the latest updates on this bill.
Resolution Number: HJR 123
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Resolution: This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to life of unborn children and prohibiting abortion to the fullest extent possible.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Resolution: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Resolution in the legislative process: The resolution was introduced on 3/10/17. The legislature adjourned on 5/29/17 and does not meet in even years unless a special session is called by the Governor.
- Link to Bill: HJR 123;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
- Action Needed: Sign up for RESOLVE Advocacy Alerts to receive the latest updates on this bill.
Bill Number: HB 3859
Bill Name: An Act relating to the conscience rights of certain religious organizations and individuals. Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill proposes protection for state-funded and private adoption organizations that refuse to place children with gay parents or other households on religious grounds.
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was signed into law on 6/15/17.
- Read RESOLVE’s Position Statement on Equality for LGBTQ Families.
- Read Texas adoption agency ‘religious refusal’ closer to law by ABC News.
Bill Number: HB 785
Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill seeks to encourage donations by providing for the dissemination of embryo donation information by a physician performing an assisted reproduction procedure involving embryo creation and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE is neutral about this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: This bill was signed into law on 6/1/17, effective 9/1/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 785;
Washington
Bill Number: HB 1649
Bill Name: “Washington state life at conception act” Updated: December 18, 2017
- Description of Bill: This bill is so-called “personhood” legislation that recognizes “the right to life … is vested in each human being… at all stages of life including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, and other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.”
- Does RESOLVE support or oppose this Bill: RESOLVE opposes this Bill
- Current status of the Bill in the legislative process: The bill was introduced and referred to Health Care & Wellness Committee on 1/25/17.
- Link to Bill: HB 1649;
- Read RESOLVE’s Policy on Personhood Legislation.
Some states are evaluating Personhood bills or ballot initiatives. Read more about these proposed ballot initiatives and Personhood.