But I can't really help others with infertility. I mean, I can commiserate, but I can't really HELP them have a child. Only a doctor can do that. Most states do not require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments - and most insurance companies do not cover infertility. I am one of the lucky ones. Michael and I would have virtually no chance of having a child without the insurance coverage I have through work. We probably would have plunked some cash down for a few IUI's, but we likely would have had to take out a second mortgage to afford IVF. I'm not so sure we would have done that. Are people who work for companies with not-so-great insurance less worthy of having a chance at having a child? The thought is ridiculous.
Anyway, to my point. There's an on-line petition (no groaning) about requiring infertility coverage. While this does not impact me directly, it could have if I had a different job with different insurance. It impacts almost everyone else I know who is struggling with infertility. Please take a minute to read the letter and sign the petition - if you feel so inclined. Thanks. In the spirit of being "out" about my infertility, I signed it with my real name and not "anonymous". I have no idea if this petition will do anything. Apparently, it also went around in last year's congressional session. But I figure, it can't hurt.
Here's the link (or you can click on the title of this post). Click on "See the Full Petition" to read the letter which has more details.
Like I said - I'm not usually the one speaking out in public. But this hits a little too close to home. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to have a family of their own. If there were some sort of petition for research into infertility, you know I'd be signing & promoting that one too. I feel like we barely know anything about the true causes.
**Stepping off soap box now** ;-) Thanks.
Edited To Add: I should have checked with Michael who actually works for Congress (duh) to check the status of this. Here's what he has to say on the matter:
Just saw your latest blog about the insurance coverage issue. Unfortunately the petition is wrong. That bill died in November 2006 when Congress went out of session. If people are interested in the issue and are going to advocate for it, they need to reference H.R. 2892, the Family Building Act 0f 2007. That’s the current version of the bill that was sponsored by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY 9) during the current Congress (110th). I don’t see any companion legislation in the Senate.
It doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere unfortunately because there are only 6 co-sponsors and it hasn’t moved since being introduced in June. If people want to take action, I would suggest they contact their Members (they can find out who they are by using this link and the form at the top left of the page: http://www.house.gov/) and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. If enough people contact their Members you could see some movement in the number of co-sponsors but it will be tough in this fiscal environment.
Here’s a link to the current bill that people can check to get the latest status updates as well. You may want to update your blog with some of this information.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.02892:
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