The New York state Assembly and Senate should work together to come to a compromise on different versions of infertility legislation, according to New York state Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell (R.C.-17th A.D.).

The state Assembly and Senate recently passed separate versions of legislation to require medical insurance policies for hospital coverage and surgical medical care to include diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that result in infertility. However, the bills must be identical for them to be sent to the governor for his consideration.

"I hope the Assembly and Senate can resolve their differences and compromise on this important legislation that would benefit many New York families," said O'Connell, the ranking Republican member of the Assembly Health Committee.

O'Connell said the most significant difference between the two bills is that the Senate version would not mandate coverage if the organization, on whose behalf the police are issued, is operated or managed by a religious or denominational organization if infertility treatment coverage is contrary to their religious tenets. The Senate version also would not mandate coverage if the insurer or health maintenance organization writing the policy is operated or managed by a religious or denominational organization.

"As a nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the mental pain and suffering couples experience when they are unable to conceive. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford the latest medical techniques to treat infertility or induce pregnancy, and insurance coverage would help to reduce the costs," O'Connell added.

According to both versions of the legislation, procedures would be provided only if they are performed at medical facilities that conform with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) minimal guidelines and standards for assisted reproductive technology.