Danbury-Area Lawmaker Pushes To Expand Fertility Coverage Access

DANBURY, CT — A Danbury-area lawmaker is backing a bipartisan proposal aimed at expanding access to fertility treatment coverage by updating how infertility is defined under Connecticut law.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, who represents parts of Danbury and Bethel, is co-leading the effort alongside State Rep. Tammy Nuccio, according to a news release.

The legislation, which has advanced through the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, would modernize the state’s definition of infertility so that insurance coverage can apply when a physician determines medical intervention is needed to achieve pregnancy, officials said.

Current law is largely based on a heterosexual couple attempting to conceive unsuccessfully over time, which can create barriers for single individuals and LGBTQ+ couples who may require assistance from the start, lawmakers said.

The updated definition would allow coverage in cases involving donor eggs or sperm, embryos or gestational surrogates.

Lawmakers said many residents already pay for fertility coverage through insurance premiums but are unable to access those benefits due to how infertility is currently defined.

“This bill helps modernize our statutes so it reflects current medical standards and the experiences of families navigating fertility treatment,” Allie-Brennan said.

Nuccio said the legislation would help remove barriers for couples trying to start families.

If approved, the changes would take effect in January 2027 to allow time for insurers to implement the new requirements.