This bill establishes a patient's right to receive appropriate reproductive care for medical conditions, specifically when such care may involve procedures or medications that result in sterility. It amends RSA 329 by adding a new section, 329:31-c, which stipulates that physicians cannot deny treatment based on a patient's age, number of children, marital status, or fertility goals, provided the patient is 18 years or older. The bill allows physicians to require informed consent and waivers of damages related to sterilization procedures. Additionally, it clarifies that patients who have signed such waivers cannot pursue civil action against healthcare providers for being rendered sterile, except in cases of purposeful, reckless, or negligent acts.

The bill also defines "medical condition" broadly to include various diseases and disorders affecting the reproductive system, while explicitly stating that gender dysphoria is not considered a medical condition for these purposes. However, it ensures that patients with gender dysphoria are not denied sterilizing treatments. Furthermore, it allows patients denied appropriate reproductive care to seek review from the board of medicine within three years of the denial. The bill includes provisions for the board of medicine to review complaints related to violations of this new section and outlines the disciplinary actions that may follow. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 329:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 329:9
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 329:9