Today, Senator Kelda Roys and Representative Jodi Emerson introduced the Building Families Act in Madison. The proposed legislation would require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments and fertility preservation services for Wisconsin residents. They were joined by Dr. Bala Bhagavath, a reproductive endocrinologist; Dr. Lauren Stippich, a physician and breast cancer survivor; and Juliann Whirry, who became a parent after undergoing IVF.
The bill addresses the needs of more than 172,000 people in Wisconsin who experience infertility. According to supporters, access to treatment is limited both by provider shortages and high costs that prevent many from seeking effective care.
Senator Roys stated: “Everyone deserves the freedom to build a family the way that makes the most sense for them. Infertility is a disease and it should be treated and covered just like any other diagnosis. Becoming a parent and building a family should not be a privilege reserved only for the wealthy, and patients who are diagnosed with infertility deserve medical treatment. This bill ensures reproductive freedom for families who would otherwise be unable to afford fertility treatment.
“It’s past time for Wisconsin to join the 22 states that have fertility insurance coverage laws, including our neighbor Illinois. Wisconsin must do everything we can to attract and retain young workers and families; reproductive freedom is essential to making our state a place people can live, learn, and thrive.”
Representative Emerson added: “This legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring that individuals and families have access to the reproductive healthcare they need to build the families they desire. Fertility treatments can be emotionally and financially draining, and this bill will help alleviate the burden on those struggling with infertility. By extending coverage for these services, we are promoting inclusivity and equal access to critical healthcare options, ultimately empowering more individuals to pursue their dreams of starting a family. This is a significant and compassionate stride towards a more equitable healthcare system that truly meets the needs of all our citizens.
“I believe that this bill is a necessary measure to support families and individuals on their journey to parenthood. By lowering the financial barriers to fertility treatments, we can provide hope to those who have been struggling in silence for far too long.”
Senator Roys has previously worked on criminal justice reforms as well as compassionate care initiatives (official website). She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2009 before serving in her current role representing Dane County’s 26th Senate District (official website). Her background includes legal work, participation on community boards such as Clean Lakes Alliance, ACLU of Wisconsin, Common Cause (official website), as well as advocacy focused on reproductive freedom through legislative caucuses (official website). She also co-chairs the legislature’s Reproductive Freedom working group (official website).
Roys holds degrees from New York University (bachelor’s) and University of Wisconsin Law School (juris doctor) (official website).