The proposed bill aims to protect fertility treatment rights in Arkansas by establishing a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 9, titled "Fertility Treatment Rights." This subchapter defines various terms related to fertility treatment, including "fertility treatment," "healthcare provider," "healthcare insurer," and "manufacturer." It outlines the rights of individuals to receive fertility treatment, continue ongoing treatments, make decisions regarding reproductive genetic material, and establish contractual agreements with healthcare providers. Additionally, it grants rights to healthcare providers, insurers, and manufacturers to provide, cover, and distribute fertility treatments in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards of care.
The bill also includes provisions for enforcement, allowing individuals or entities adversely affected by violations of these rights to initiate civil actions against those who impose limitations or requirements that interfere with their rights. Courts are empowered to award equitable relief and litigation costs to prevailing plaintiffs. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that individuals have the right to access and receive fertility treatments without undue restrictions, while also protecting the rights of healthcare providers and insurers involved in the process.