Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced on Mar. 30 the introduction of two bipartisan bills designed to increase access to women’s health care services. The first bill, H.R. 8119, known as the HOPE with Fertility Services Act, seeks to improve coverage for infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and related procedures. The second bill, H.R. 8084, called the Access to LARCs Act, aims to address barriers preventing women from obtaining long-acting reversible contraception at community health centers.
The proposed legislation addresses concerns about the affordability and availability of fertility treatments and contraceptive options for women across the United States. Supporters say these measures are intended to help individuals who face challenges starting families due to medical or financial obstacles.
The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would provide insurance coverage for a range of infertility treatments including IVF, egg and embryo cryopreservation, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, and other related procedures. It also ensures that those diagnosed with conditions that prevent conception or carrying a pregnancy can receive appropriate care. The bill requires annual reporting by insurers on their coverage standards and mandates corrective action if those standards are not met.
The Access to LARCs Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national study focusing on access issues at community health centers in underserved areas. This study will identify obstacles limiting access to contraceptive methods like implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) and recommend ways Congress can improve availability.
“So many loving couples want to start a family but struggle with infertility. With soaring out-of-pocket costs for in vitro treatment and other fertility care, Americans are oftentimes prevented from being able to have children,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would expand coverage and provide access to fertility treatments for millions of Americans who dream of expanding their family but have faced difficulties due to disease, ailment, or unexplained infertility… This legislation will identify areas in the United States that lack access… help more women access dependable care and make informed choices.” Representative Zach Nunn said: “Starting a family is one of the biggest dreams couples have… The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes sure that fertility care is within reach for every family — not just those who can afford it or happen to have the right insurance plan.” Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz added: “Infertility impacts millions of families… I’ve fought to expand insurance coverage for prohibitively costly fertility treatments… As a breast cancer survivor… IVF can be a godsend.” Representative Laurel Lee said: “For millions of Americans, the ability to build a family is deeply personal—but too often it is made unnecessarily difficult by cost and limited access… This bipartisan legislation gives Americans what they deserve: the chance …to pursue …the hope of becoming parents.” Donald Rep. Norcross stated: “My grandkids are one of the greatest joys …and they wouldn’t be here today without fertility services…. I won’t ever stop fighting to make healthcare more affordable …for all who need it.”
Malliotakis has served in Congress representing New York’s 11th District since 2021 after previously serving in the New York State Assembly from 2011 through 2021 according to her biography. She was born in New York City in 1980 and currently resides in Staten Island as reported by Ballotpedia. Malliotakis graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor’s degree before earning another degree from Wagner College.
These legislative efforts reflect an ongoing discussion about expanding reproductive health options nationwide.
