Hawaii fertility law leaves out singles, same-sex couples

By CATHY BUSSEWITZ

Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii is one of a handful of states that requires insurance companies to cover fertility treatment through in vitro fertilization.

But same-sex couples and single women are left out because the coverage rules only apply to married, heterosexual couples. That's because the Hawaii law states that a patient's eggs must be fertilized by her spouse.

Advocates are calling the practice discriminatory. They're hoping to change the law.

A bill is pending in the Hawaii Legislature that would remove the spousal sperm requirement.

The infertility association Resolve says Maryland and Arkansas have similar coverage mandates for heterosexual couples. An effort to update Maryland's law passed the Legislature but hasn't yet been signed into law by the governor.

Barbara Collura of Resolve says Hawaii's law desperately needs to be updated.