MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association applauds Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner for signing a bill into a law that will ensure fertility preservation insurance coverage for those facing chemotherapy or some other medically necessary treatment that threatens their ability to have children.

"RESOLVE applauds Governor Rauner and the Illinois legislature for addressing this gap in insurance coverage," said Barbara Collura, President/CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. "Illinois is the fifth state to pass a fertility preservation law over the past two years. We're thrilled that the family building community is being heard, and RESOLVE will continue to work with other states to expand access to infertility coverage."

RESOLVE advocated strongly for passage of this legislation and worked with the Alliance for Fertility Preservation and other allies to pass this important bill.

Each year, tens of thousands of people across the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer in their reproductive years, the majority of which are at risk for iatrogenic (or medically-induced) infertility from their cancer treatment. Iatrogenic infertility may also affect people undergoing treatment for sickle cell anemia, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. RESOLVE believes that patients should not have to choose between effective medical treatment and a future chance at parenthood. Fertility preservation medical treatment allows men to preserve sperm and allows women to preserve eggs or embryos for their future attempts at pregnancy. RESOLVE supports legislation that requires fertility preservation insurance coverage for cancer patients and others whose treatment may cause infertility.

About RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: Established in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. One in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age has trouble conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. RESOLVE addresses this public health issue by providing community to these women and men, connecting them with others who can help, empowering them to find resolution and giving voice to their demands for access to all family building options. For more information, visit http://www.RESOLVE.org

SOURCE RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association