NYC Council wants gay male employees to have IVF coverage.
The New York City Council is pushing for Mayor Eric Adams to extend in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage to gay male employees after a lawsuit highlighted the discriminatory practices against them. The council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus emphasized that gay men are being denied benefits that are granted to straight couples and single women due to an outdated definition of “infertility” that excludes them from accessing IVF treatments.
The current city health plan only covers IVF cycles for employees who can prove infertility, defined as the inability to conceive a child through male-female unprotected sexual intercourse. This definition effectively excludes gay men from receiving IVF coverage, despite a 2020 state law that mandates insurance plans to include IVF services.
The lawsuit that sparked this push for change was filed by former assistant district attorney Corey Briskin and his husband, who were forced to delay their IVF plans due to the lack of financial support. The lawsuit argues that denying IVF coverage to gay male employees violates protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and equal rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
The LGBTQIA+ Caucus’s letter to Mayor Adams also calls for support for proposed legislation that would require the city to cover assisted reproduction services and adoption for municipal employees without the need for an infertility diagnosis. The aim is to address the inequity faced by gay male employees and ensure equal access to family building benefits.
Mayor Adams’ office has stated that the city’s health plan covers IVF treatments for municipal employees regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, following state rules and guidance. However, the city does not cover costs associated with egg or sperm donation or surrogacy.
Issues surrounding IVF have gained national attention recently, particularly in light of an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that led to fertility clinics in the state halting IVF services. This ruling sparked political debates, with Republicans expressing support for IVF while Democrats raised concerns about reproductive health measures being restricted.
The cost of one cycle of IVF treatment can range from $15,000 to $30,000, making it a significant financial burden for many individuals. Gay male employees like Briskin may only be able to access IVF through surrogacy, further complicating the process for them.
Overall, the call to extend IVF coverage to gay male employees in New York City reflects a broader push for inclusivity and equal access to reproductive health services. As the discussion around IVF continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the barriers faced by marginalized groups and work towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.
