25-03-2025
Proposed Nevada bill aims to expand IVF access
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A new bill in the Nevada Legislature focuses on modern family planning, specifically expanding IVF access to Nevada families.
SB 217 was introduced to the Health and Human Services committee on Thursday. The bill pushes for Nevada families to have greater access to IVF and was modeled after the Colorado Building Families Act.
'The treatments provide hope and opportunity for those struggling with infertility, for same-sex couples who are seeking biological parenthood, individuals with medical conditions that could affect their fertility,' said Democratic State Senator Nicole Cannizzaro, who is one of the bill's primary sponsors.
Majority Leader Cannizzaro had with her the founder of Nevada Fertility Advocates, Amanda Klein, who understands the subject matter all too well.
'My husband and I struggled with infertility for five years. I did have to do IVF, I had several miscarriages,' Klein told 8 News Now. 'Ultimately, we had to hire a surrogate to have our daughter, but she's incredible, and she's the reason I do this work today.'
Klein has been working with Senator Cannizzaro on this bill for the past year. SB217 includes coverage for treatments like IVF, as well as fertility preservation for those who have diagnoses like cancer.
'We were hit with the reality that one in six Nevadans face and that is that infertility is a disease,' Klein continued. 'The American Medical Association has recognized infertility as a disease- just like cancer, just like diabetes, just like heart disease for several decades- and it should be recognized by insurance companies as well.'
However, the legislation isn't without pushback. Some disagree with the bill because of parts of the language.
'SB 217 clearly states that fertilized eggs and embryos before implantation are not legally considered persons,' said Melissa Clement, with the Nevada Right to Life, who spoke on the floor in opposition. 'This is neither scientific nor medical.'
Additionally, there are some opponents concerned about the price tag.
'The infertility coverage mandates apply to large employers, which means that the cost for employers and employees will increase due to the cost of these treatments,' expressed Shelly Capurro with the Nevada Association Of Health Plans.
However, Klein responded to some of the opposition, saying that family building is a bipartisan issue.
'We understand, especially me, being a lifelong Nevadan that there are cost implications to a bill like this,' Klein said. 'But it is incredibly important for us to work from both sides of the aisle- Republican and Democrat- to get this bill to a place where we can all agree to it.
The bill is set to head to the finance committee.
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