Sciortino Pushes for Fertility Treatment Coverage

Representative Sciortino joined other legislators and former Governor Michael Dukakis in receiving an award from RESOLVE of the New England at the State House earlier this week. The ceremony recognized legislative leaders who proved instrumental in passing legislation to provide insurance coverage for families struggling with issues of infertility.

In 2008, Sciortino was approached by a couple in his district who were trying to have a child, but having difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term. Under existing law, insurance coverage was not mandated for couples who could conceive naturally but not carry to term. Sciortino filed a bill to update the definition of “infertility” to extend insurance coverage to a greater numbers of people struggling to have children. The legislation passed earlier this year.

“In today’s political climate, people talk a lot about ‘family values.’ What we have done with this legislation is what these values are really about. We are helping people create families,” said Sciortino. “Infertility can be devastating to couples looking to have children; I am proud that I can help to get them the support they deserve.”

“We were thrilled to come to the State House and recognize the work of our legislative leaders,” said Davina Fankhauser, Advocacy Director of RESOLVE. “Representative Sciortino was an important ally as we worked to extend the definition of infertility. I am confident that the strides the legislature made the last session will have a tremendous impact on families in Massachusetts.”

RESOLVE of New England is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to people experiencing infertility issues. They advocate for insurance coverage for fertility services and provide educational materials for individuals having difficulty having children.

– Information from Rep. Sciortino. Courtesy photo.