Senator Samra Brouk's Female Infertility Outreach Bill Signed into Law

ALBANY, NY - Today, legislation sponsored by Senator Samra G. Brouk, member of the Senate Committee on Women’s Issues, to ensure women are provided information about conditions that may affect their fertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), was signed into law (S6957). 

“Infertility is a lot more prevalent than many people realize, yet so many women lack access to crucial information about the disorders that cause it,” said Senator Brouk. “The signing of this bill means that more women in my community will have a greater awareness of, and be equipped to seek treatment for, infertility.”

“At UR Medicine, we treat thousands of people a year with PCOS and other common conditions that can adversely impact their health and ability to become pregnant,” said Eva Pressman, M.D., the Henry A. Thiede Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UR Medicine. “Information about symptoms to watch for, and the many treatment options available, are powerful tools for supporting individuals’ health and well-being. We thank Sen. Brouk for her leadership in sponsoring this important legislation.” 

“Education is a crucial part of patient care, and one of the ways we can best support women in advocating for their own health care needs,” said Meghan Aldrich, VP of Operations for Women’s Health at Rochester Regional Health. “At Rochester Regional Health, we are passionate about empowering women to make informed decisions about all aspects of their health.  This means creating access to educational resources, as well as strong partnerships between patients and healthcare providers.”

PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility among women, affecting one in ten women. Despite this remarkable prevalence, many women do not know about PCOS until they are actively trying, and struggling, to conceive. Black women are twice as likely to suffer from infertility, and in some communities, women may be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. 

This bill will empower women in conversations with their physician by ensuring they are provided with information about PCOS and other conditions affecting their fertility. The bill directs the New York State Commissioner of Health to conduct an education and outreach program for patients, health care providers and educators relating to reproductive health conditions that affect female fertility. The bill was introduced in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (AD 55), a member of the Assembly Task Force on Women’s Issues.