Senator Portantino’s Fertility Preservation Bill Signed by the Governor

Sacramento, California–Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D–La Cañada Flintridge) bill SB 600 has been signed by the Governor. This valuable legislation ensures health insurance coverage for cancer patients and others fighting disease who want the option to protect their fertility. Senator Portantino has been endeavoring for over a decade to solve this public health issue to help patients have fertility options. As a father, this issue has long been a passion for the Senator. 

“Every day, I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be a parent but unfortunately for many due to the vague and imprecise health code language, people are faced with the heartbreaking decision of curing their cancer and losing their fertility.  This bill will make it abundantly clear that patients will have the opportunity to preserve fertility options prior to chemo and other aggressive treatments,” said Senator Portantino.

Insurance policies and health plans cover a wide variety of cancer treatments and follow-up procedures due to the effects of said treatments. Examples of this include reconstructive surgery and fertility preservation. There is confusion in the definition of fertility preservation which leaves many patients without coverage due to the legal unclearness.  The lack of clarity in insurance coverage regulation for these services causes patients to sadly forego fertility preservation treatment. As a result, many have had to sacrifice their chance of future parenthood. This bill makes clear that these services are covered benefits so that patients can obtain fertility preservation immediately and focus on their treatment.  

SB 600 is sponsored by American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Alliance for Fertility Preservation and Fertile Action.