Patients Access to Care Preserved in Mississippi

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Applauds Defeat of Initiative 26

Battle Against “Personhood” Legislation Could Continue in Many States in 2012

(November 11, 2011, McLean, VA) – RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association was pleased that voters in Mississippi preserved the standard of care for infertility patients with the defeat of Initiative 26 on November 8, 2011.  Initiative 26, a so called “Personhood Amendment,” would have severely impacted access to IVF care for women and men needing this type of medical treatment to have a family.  By placing “personhood” on a microscopic embryo, fertility doctors, embryologists, and other professionals who work in fertility clinics would not be able to practice medicine to the standard of care patients deserve.  Since 2008, RESOLVE and its Board of Directors have stated their opposition to any attempts to pass Personhood Amendments or legislation as it undermines access to safe and reliable infertility medical treatments. 

RESOLVE’s website became the “go-to” source for information and resources about Initiative 26 including news links, statements, and personal stories.  Through its extensive social media network, direct contact with grassroots activists in Mississippi, and broad media exposure that included holding a press conference during the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Annual Meeting, RESOLVE drew significant attention to how Personhood legislation would severely limit medical treatment for those faced with infertility.  RESOLVE was the only patient organization represented on a panel discussion about the Initiative at the Mississippi College School of Law on October 25.

“Through hard work, passion, and the support of organizations such as RESOLVE, infertility patients in Mississippi will continue to have access to medical treatments that meet the standard of care for their infertility,” commented Barbara Collura, RESOLVE’s Executive Director.  “RESOLVE and the medical community have grave concerns that ‘Personhood’ negatively impacts people with infertility and the care they deserve.”
RESOLVE will continue to fight proposed Personhood legislation in 2012 to ensure everyone continues to have access to care for their infertility.  States that may be targeted with  Personhood legislation or ballot initiatives include Arizona, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin.

One in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age is diagnosed with infertility.  For more information, visit www.resolve.org

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 is diagnosed with infertility. 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 www.resolve.org.