BILL NUMBER: S539
SPONSOR: MARTINS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to providing that any
fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of a human uterus
shall not be considered an unborn child or human being for any purpose
under state law
 
PURPOSE:
To prohibit a fertilized human egg or human embryo existing outside of
the human uterus from being considered an unborn child or a human being.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds a new section 2599-bb-1 to the Public Health Law to
provide that any fertilized human egg or human embryo that exists in any
form outside of the uterus of a human body shall not, under any circum-
stances, be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person,
any other term that cannotes a human being for any purpose under the
laws of this state.
Section 2: Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill is being introduced in response to the first of its kind
ruling made by the Alabama Supreme Court that a frozen embryos is
considered a child. Because of this decision it has become necessary to
ensure infertility treatment is available to those who want to start a
family. New York should recognize that IVF treatments are often the only
avenue to make the dream' of a family a reality. The Alabama ruling is a
potential threat for those who desire to have children everywhere. New
York should send a clear, strong message, that it will protect the right
for count less families to participate in the joys of parenthood. IVF
and other similar fertility treatments are a blessing for so many fami-
lies and it is critical that New York ensure they remain accessible forò
them.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.8682; Referred to Health
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately