Pennsylvania Senators Tracy Pennycuick and Nick Miller announced on May 6 the introduction of a bill that would require insurance coverage in Pennsylvania for standard fertility preservation services for cancer patients undergoing treatments that may cause infertility.
The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 1315, aims to address the financial and emotional challenges faced by individuals who must choose between life-saving cancer treatment and preserving their ability to have children. The announcement was made alongside Amanda Rice, founder of Chick Mission; survivor Rachel Dancheck; Dr. Lindsay Goldblatt from Fox Chase Cancer Center; and reproductive specialists Dr. Sally Vitez and Dr. Nicole Marchetto from Shady Grove Fertility.
“We know cancer treatment can save a patient’s life, yet it can also permanently damage reproductive function. We also know that paying for fertility preservation can be cost prohibitive for most people and are inconsistently covered by insurers, leaving many with a nearly impossible choice between the treatment they need to survive and preserving their ability to have children,” said Pennycuick. “That’s why we introduced Senate Bill 1315 to require insurance coverage in Pennsylvania for standard fertility preservation services for cancer patients who must undergo medical treatment that results in infertility.”
“No Pennsylvanian facing cancer should have to choose between fighting for their life today and preserving the opportunity to build a family tomorrow,” said Miller. “Requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation is a necessary step to protect patients’ futures when they need support the most. This legislation will help ease the financial and emotional burden on Pennsylvanians navigating one of the most difficult moments of their lives, while providing comfort and peace of mind that they still have options to plan for their future with their loved ones.”
Amanda Rice said, “We have extraordinary advancements in cancer care. Survival rates are improving. Patients are living longer, fuller lives. But our system has not kept pace when it comes to protecting what comes after survival… Fertility preservation is not experimental. It is not elective… That is not a medical gap. That is a policy gap.”
Rachel Dancheck shared her experience as a survivor: “Today, I’m nearly two years out from active treatment… now I’m beginning to think about what building my family could look like because I had access to fertility preservation when I needed it most… Access to fertility preservation is not guaranteed, especially here in Pennsylvania.”
Drs. Goldblatt, Vitez, and Marchetto described how time-sensitive these decisions are due to rapid onset of chemotherapy following diagnosis: “In that same window, we are asking patients … make urgent decisions about their future fertility.” They emphasized that inconsistent or unaffordable coverage remains an obstacle.
Pennycuick has engaged in public service through her military career—including serving 26 years in the U.S Army—and roles supporting veterans’ causes after retiring as lieutenant colonel according to the official website. She resides with her husband—also an Army veteran—in Harleysville.
Supporters say this measure would ensure consistent access regardless of income or circumstance so more survivors can consider parenthood after recovery.
