Republican members of the Arizona legislature have signaled their support for a law requiring insurance coverage for some fertility treatments.
A Senate committee Dec. 17 stated it wanted to continue pursue discussions on the issue, but failed to fully support mandatory coverage.
The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from individuals seeking to have children but unable to secure insurance for the treatment.
One of the main campaigners for a rule change is Elizabeth Marshall and her husband, who have wanted to start a family since their 2008 marriage.
Marshall does not naturally produce enough progesterone, a hormone that significantly increases the chances of becoming pregnant and carrying a fetus safely to full term.
The couple's insurance company covers progesterone treatment but only after conception, which she argues is needed a number of weeks before conception to raise the chances of a safe pregnancy, according to an October report in the Arizona Capitol Times.
To change insurance mandates in Arizona is difficult, as a report on the social and financial effects first needs to be submitted to Joint Legislative Audit Committee months before any bill is introduced.
The audit committee has scrutinized and passed on the report, but it now goes to standing committees from both chambers, which will hold hearings before sending recommendations to the Senate president, House speaker, governor and Department of Insurance.
According to the Arizona Capitol Times, Marshall is particularly seeking support from Republican lawmakers. Sen. Heather Carter (R-Cave Creek) and Rep. Regina Cobb (R-Kingman) have been receptive, she said.
Carter said she has heard similar stories from constituents and wants to do something to help.
“This is an issue that many families are faced with, and I think we should at least have a conversation about it in the legislature,” Carter told the newspaper, adding that it is not clear whether there is enough to pass legislation.
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