Committee advances bill asserting right to fertility treatments and contraceptives

The Population Health Subcommittee voted to advance legislation titled the Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act after adding an amendment clarifying the measure “does not mandate coverage or entitlement for fertility treatments or contraceptives.”

The bill’s sponsor, identified in committee as Chairman Ritter, said the bill would declare that “an individual has the right to engage in activities associated with fertility treatments and contraceptives,” and that state law should not prohibit such activities. Ritter explained the committee amendment replaced the word “individual” with “health care provider” in one provision and removed language that could be read to require insurance coverage.

The amendment was offered under drafting code 3691 and was adopted by voice vote. After debate concluded, the committee voted 9-0 to send the bill to the full Health Committee.

Committee members did not record further restrictions or funding details on the floor; the bill text and the adopted amendment were the primary actions recorded during the hearing. The measure will next be considered by the full Health Committee, where members may debate or amend statutory language, coverage implications and enforcement provisions.

No outside agencies or state programs were cited in committee testimony as funding sources for coverage. The sponsor limited his explanation to statutory language about rights and the scope of permitted activity and did not state an effective date for any statutory change.

The subcommittee proceeded to other bills after the vote.