Dr. Gilbert Mottla of SGF's Annapolis, MD office
I feel very proud that I was part of the effort to change policy. Our collaborative efforts will hopefully soon allow patients who are faced with a cancer diagnosis to preserve their fertility without having to incur the costs associated.
WASHINGTON (PRWEB) April 17, 2018
Shady Grove Fertility’s (SGF) Drs. Gilbert Mottla, from the SGF Annapolis, MD office and Stephanie Beall, from the SGF Columbia and Towson offices, testified to the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates on behalf of patients with cancer and played a vital role in helping to pass new legislation in the state of Maryland that covers fertility preservation for patients facing cancer treatment.
This bill will require companies to cover sperm and egg freezing for those people with a cancer diagnosis who want to preserve their fertility. Maryland was the first state in the nation to enact infertility insurance legislation and, with the Governor’s signature, would be one of only a few states that also covers fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment.
“I feel very proud that I was part of the effort to change policy. Our collaborative efforts will hopefully soon allow patients who are faced with a cancer diagnosis to preserve their fertility without having to incur the costs associated. It’s our hope that one day soon, Maryland residents won’t have to choose between an important cancer treatment and their future chance to start a family,” says Dr. Mottla.
SGF has a specially trained team devoted specifically with people with cancer. The practice works directly with a patient’s oncology team to ensure they expedite fertility preservation so that cancer treatment is not delayed. Known as the SGF Oncofertility Team, this team helps guide each patient through every step of the treatment process. Due to the time sensitivity with treatment, patients can expect an expedited treatment plan and to see a physician for consultation almost immediately.
Over the last 26 years, SGF physicians and staff have advocated for a variety of legislation, both on the state and federal level that would help to ease the cost burden and increase access to fertility treatment options. Dr. Mottla has played an active role in advocating for improving infertility policy by testifying in front of both state and national legislators, with his most recent support for our nation’s injured veterans. His commitment to helping expand coverage for wounded veterans paid off when Congressional support was given to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Advocates for this bill encourage residents of Maryland to send this letter to Governor Hogan and call him at (410) 974-3901 to ask that he sign SB 271/HB 908 into law.
Next month, SGF physicians and staff will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill at the 2018 Advocacy Day to raise awareness among members of Congress about the prevalence of infertility in this country and the need for increased insurance coverage and benefits that allow for more family building resources.
To learn more about planning for pregnancy prior to a cancer treatment and how SGF advocates for not just their patients but all patients who face infertility, visit their website for more information.
About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with 50,000 babies born and counting. With 42 physicians and 29 locations throughout MD, PA, VA, GA, and D.C., we offer patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.