New Jersey Assembly Advocacy Form

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Message - Please add why fertility preservation means something to you. A personal story, a friend who struggled, your own fertility experience. For example:

My name is_____. I am proud to share I am a cancer survivor who fought and won three battles with cancer during my 30s. My experience with cancer meant that my life saving treatment had a direct effect on my ability to become a biological mother.

I am writing to ask for your support for an issue that is very important to myself and my family.

A5000 sponsored by Assemblywoman Donlon seeks inclusion of iatrogenic infertility coverage as part of Medicaid plans in New Jersey. It is crucial to recognize that critical treatments for various diseases encountered during childbearing years often lead to infertility. Life and death decisions often need to be made quickly for those about to begin treatment that will save their lives, but cause a harsh side effect: Infertility.

For instance, chemotherapy, while effective in treating cancer, can often shatter dreams of starting a family unless expensive fertility preservation procedures are pursued. Cost should never be a factor during such critical moments and a patient's hope for the future.

Regardless of socioeconomic status, the decision between undergoing necessary medical treatment to save one's life and sacrificing the opportunity to have a family is undeniably devastating. Currently, Medicaid does not provide coverage for the vast publicly-insured population in New Jersey. The expansion of coverage in this bill is absolutely vital. It is important to emphasize these procedures are not elective or luxuries; they are essential for any New Jerseyan who wishes to have children, regardless of the life-saving treatments they must undergo to address a disease they certainly did not choose to confront.

I am proud to wholeheartedly support this bill, and I urge you to pass it as soon as possible for the well-being and happiness of countless individuals in our state. Let us ensure that no one is forced to choose between their health and their dreams of having a family. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of so many.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]