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New York Senate approves campus emergency-contraception vending requirement and expands IVF coverage
Summary
The State Senate approved measures to require at least one vending machine selling emergency contraception on each SUNY and CUNY campus offering in-person instruction, and approved bills expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization. Sponsors said the bills reduce barriers to reproductive care; roll calls were recorded.
The New York State Senate on Jan. 27 approved a pair of measures aimed at expanding access to reproductive health services, including a mandate for emergency-contraception vending machines on public college campuses and new insurance protections for in vitro fertilization.
Senator Rachel Webb, speaking to explain her vote, said the vending-machine requirement is designed to "break down barriers to accessibility for students who may have difficulty getting off campus" and emphasized the time-sensitive nature of emergency contraception, which is most effective within three days of unprotected sex. Webb said the bill would align New York with other states that already have similar legislation and urged colleagues to vote aye.
On insurance coverage for IVF, Senator Cooney described legislation intended to "provide greater coverage and access to in vitro fertilization here in New York," saying earlier statutory language and insurer practices had limited practical access to the three cycles covered under the 2019 law. Senator Salazar also framed related measures as correcting coverage gaps and expanding access for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and others seeking fertility treatment.
Roll-call results recorded on the floor show the education-campus vending measure passed with 45 ayes and 13 nays. The insurance bill expanding IVF coverage was announced passed with a recorded 52 ayes and 6 nays. Other, related supplemental measures addressing public-health and insurance law matters were read and passed during the session.
Supporters said the bills will reduce logistical, cost and privacy barriers that can prevent timely access to contraception and fertility services. Opponents raised concerns about costs and implementation details during the floor debate.
The bills now proceed according to the legislative calendar and the actions recorded on the Senate floor.
