SGF’s Drs. Gilbert Mottla, from the SGF Annapolis, MD office and Stephanie Beall, from the SGF Columbia and Towson offices, testified to the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates on behalf of patients with cancer and played a vital role in helping to pass new legislation in the state of Maryland for fertility preservation coverage for patients facing cancer treatment.
This bill will require companies to cover sperm and egg freezing for those people with a cancer diagnosis who want to preserve their fertility. Maryland was the first state in the nation to enact infertility insurance legislation and, with the Governor’s signature, would be one of only a few states that also covers fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment.
“I feel very proud that I was part of the effort to change policy. Our collaborative efforts will hopefully soon allow patients who are faced with a cancer diagnosis to preserve their fertility without having to incur the costs associated. It’s our hope that one day soon, Maryland residents won’t have to choose between an important cancer treatment and their future chance to start a family,” says Dr. Mottla.
Fertility Preservation at SGF
SGF has a specially trained team devoted specifically to people with cancer. We work directly with a patient’s oncology team to ensure they expedite fertility preservation so that cancer treatment is not delayed. Known as the SGF Oncofertility Team, this team helps guide each patient through every step of the treatment process. Due to the time sensitivity with treatment, patients can expect an expedited treatment plan and to see a physician for consultation almost immediately.
Get Involved in Making Change for Fertility Preservation Coverage
Over the last 26 years, SGF physicians and staff have advocated for a variety of legislation, both on the state and federal level that would help to ease the cost burden and increase access to fertility treatment options. Dr. Mottla has played an active role in advocating for improving infertility policy by testifying in front of both state and national legislators, with his most recent support for our nation’s injured veterans. His commitment to helping expand coverage for wounded veterans paid off when Congressional support was given to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Advocates for this bill encourage residents of Maryland to send this letter to Governor Hogan and call him at (410) 974-3901 to ask that he sign SB 271/HB 908 into law.
Next month, SGF physicians and staff will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill at the 2018 Advocacy Day to raise awareness among members of Congress about the prevalence of infertility in this country and the need for increased insurance coverage and benefits that allow for more family building resources.
To learn more about how SGF advocates for fertility preservation coverage or to schedule an appointment, please contact the New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete this brief online form.
