The "Access to Family Building Act" seeks to safeguard access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and all associated medical care. Its primary purpose is to prevent the imposition of limitations or requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures, do not significantly enhance reproductive health or safety, or unduly restrict access to these vital services. The bill aims to ensure that individuals can pursue fertility treatments without unreasonable interference. This legislation establishes clear statutory rights for various stakeholders. Individuals are granted the right to access ART, continue ongoing treatments, and retain control over their reproductive genetic materials. Healthcare providers are afforded the right to perform ART treatments and provide evidence-based information, while health insurance providers are explicitly permitted to cover ART services. These provisions are designed to create a comprehensive framework for protecting fertility care. To ensure compliance, the Act includes robust enforcement mechanisms. The Attorney General may initiate civil actions against any State, local municipality, or official that enacts or enforces limitations violating these rights. Additionally, individuals or entities adversely affected by such violations have a private right of action, allowing them to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and recover litigation costs and attorney's fees. The bill also specifies that it supersedes conflicting federal and state laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, to ensure its broad applicability, though it does not alter state laws regarding insurance coverage for ART.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Access to Family Building Act
USA119th CongressHR-2049| House
| Updated: 3/11/2025
The "Access to Family Building Act" seeks to safeguard access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and all associated medical care. Its primary purpose is to prevent the imposition of limitations or requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures, do not significantly enhance reproductive health or safety, or unduly restrict access to these vital services. The bill aims to ensure that individuals can pursue fertility treatments without unreasonable interference. This legislation establishes clear statutory rights for various stakeholders. Individuals are granted the right to access ART, continue ongoing treatments, and retain control over their reproductive genetic materials. Healthcare providers are afforded the right to perform ART treatments and provide evidence-based information, while health insurance providers are explicitly permitted to cover ART services. These provisions are designed to create a comprehensive framework for protecting fertility care. To ensure compliance, the Act includes robust enforcement mechanisms. The Attorney General may initiate civil actions against any State, local municipality, or official that enacts or enforces limitations violating these rights. Additionally, individuals or entities adversely affected by such violations have a private right of action, allowing them to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and recover litigation costs and attorney's fees. The bill also specifies that it supersedes conflicting federal and state laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, to ensure its broad applicability, though it does not alter state laws regarding insurance coverage for ART.