FRANKFORT – Men and women facing infertility because of cancer treatments would find new hope under a measure approved by the state Senate today.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 95<http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/18RS/SB95.htm>, would require health insurers of cancer patients to cover fertility preservation, the process of saving or protecting eggs, sperm or reproductive tissue so that a person can use them to have biological children in the future.
“Many young adults who undergo chemotherapy, radiation and other harsh treatments often compromise their fertility as a result,” said Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington.
She said she introduced the legislation after hearing the story of Melissa Thompson. The Connecticut woman became a national advocate for legislation like SB 95 after her health insurer refused to pay for her fertility preservation treatment when she was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer at the age of 32.
“It is such a tragedy that many of our young people … win the fight to stay alive but lose one of life’s greatest blessing and joys – that of having children,” Kerr said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to give young cancer survivors hope.”
Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, spoke in support of SB 95. He said the cost of the coverage would be negligible to health insurers. Buford also thanked one of the largest health insurers in Kentucky, Anthem, for not opposing SB 95.
“They understood the necessity of this and how we can help those individuals who are
about to lose the ability to ever have a child,” Buford said.
Sen. Ralph Alvarado, R-Winchester, said many side effects of illnesses are temporary but infertility is not one of those.
“This bill gives our young women, men and children – who suffer one of the most common and toughest health challenges – the possibility of extending the miracle of life,” said Alvarado, who is a pediatrician.
Sen. C.B. Embry Jr., R-Morgantown, stood to explain his “yes” vote.
“I think it is a landmark bill,” he said. “It is outstanding in every way … and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
It passed by a 34-3 vote.