Senators Boucher and Hwang Vote for Passage of Coverage for Insureds with Cancer’s Fertility Preservation

State Senators Toni Boucher (R-26) and Tony Hwang (R-28) both voted to approve a bill that has been the eight-month crusade of former Westport resident and stage 3 breast cancer patient, Melissa Thompson. House Bill 7124, An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Fertility Preservation For Insureds Diagnosed With Cancer, received unanimous approval in the House and Senate and now heads for the Governor’s signature to become law.

Ms. Thompson began her work on the legislation following her breast cancer diagnosis after the birth of her daughter, Poppy. She learned that chemotherapy treatment for cancer could leave her infertile and sought to have her eggs harvested and frozen. However, health insurance that normally covers the procedure denied her because of her cancer.

Sen. Boucher said the legislation will require health insurance to cover egg harvesting for women diagnosed with cancer so they can retain the possibility of having children in the future. She said learning Ms. Thompson’s story and being able to relate its impact on people’s lives helped win support.

“At 32-years-of-age, she was able to personalize this issue as she valiantly fights her courageous battle with cancer. Her warm demeanor and intelligent fact-based research and testimony brought the issue forward as she recounted how incredibly important it is to be able to have a path to new life,” Sen. Boucher said. “Though the passage of this bill will not help her, it will help those in the rare circumstance where a life-saving treatment leads to sterility.”

Sen. Hwang said the measure is not considered a new insurance mandate, and praised Ms. Thompson’s tenacity and thoroughness in presenting data and information in favor of the bill. He said he met her at an American Cancer Society informational awareness session.

“She was such a breath of fresh air and demonstrated passion and commitment to this important project,” Sen. Hwang said. “I remember her approaching people and saying ‘What are you doing to fight cancer?’ For someone fighting against breast cancer to focus on others like her to ensure the possibility of creating the miracle of life through childbirth, it is an awe-inspiring message.  People fighting cancer do not care about being Democrat or Republican; they just want you to care.”

Sen. Boucher and Sen. Hwang called the bill’s passage a victory for Ms. Thompson and all cancer patients.

Sen. Boucher represents the communities of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

Sen. Hwang represents the communities of Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, and Westport.