Michigan: Helping the Nation Recognize the Need For Fertility Preservation Information and Research
February 28, 2006
A unanimous vote by the Michigan Senate will send a resolution to Congress and the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding cancer patients’ ability to access fertility information prior to their treatment. This will encourage fertility preservation research that will help the 130,000 people of childbearing age who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The resolution will improve patients’ access to information prior to treatment and increase their awareness of potential fertility problems.
Research has indicated that many survivors were not told about their fertility options or the impact the treatment may have prior to treatment. If this information was given, it may have been lost in the many health related issues discussed. Learning there were other options or possible fertility preservation methods after treatment, may compound the many emotions cause by an infertility diagnosis.
The government, healthcare providers and insurance companies also need to address the cost of fertility preservation. Many options, especially those for women, are expensive and still experimental. Some states have insurance laws specifically addressing infertility coverage. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine lists the states which have specific insurance laws related to infertility diagnosis and treatment. However, even among these states, infertility caused by cancer treatment may not be covered. None of these protections are related to fertility preservation or mandate coverage be provided. For more information on fertility options and their cost, visit the fertile HOPE website.
There are also medical risks related to cancer treatment for pregnant childhood cancer survivors. If you are a childhood survivor and are pregnant make sure your doctor is aware of your previous treatment. We hope that other states consider a similar resolution.
Related websites:
fertile HOPE
Cancer Consultants.com
Related articles:
Fertility Options Continue to Grow
Baby Born After Ovary Transplant
New Fertility Hope For Cancer Patients
<< Back
February 28, 2006
A unanimous vote by the Michigan Senate will send a resolution to Congress and the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding cancer patients’ ability to access fertility information prior to their treatment. This will encourage fertility preservation research that will help the 130,000 people of childbearing age who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The resolution will improve patients’ access to information prior to treatment and increase their awareness of potential fertility problems.Research has indicated that many survivors were not told about their fertility options or the impact the treatment may have prior to treatment. If this information was given, it may have been lost in the many health related issues discussed. Learning there were other options or possible fertility preservation methods after treatment, may compound the many emotions cause by an infertility diagnosis.
The government, healthcare providers and insurance companies also need to address the cost of fertility preservation. Many options, especially those for women, are expensive and still experimental. Some states have insurance laws specifically addressing infertility coverage. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine lists the states which have specific insurance laws related to infertility diagnosis and treatment. However, even among these states, infertility caused by cancer treatment may not be covered. None of these protections are related to fertility preservation or mandate coverage be provided. For more information on fertility options and their cost, visit the fertile HOPE website.
There are also medical risks related to cancer treatment for pregnant childhood cancer survivors. If you are a childhood survivor and are pregnant make sure your doctor is aware of your previous treatment. We hope that other states consider a similar resolution.
Related websites:
fertile HOPE
Cancer Consultants.com
Related articles:
Fertility Options Continue to Grow
Baby Born After Ovary Transplant
New Fertility Hope For Cancer Patients
<< Back
