Employers and payers—both commercial and those funded by state or federal governments— should not discriminate in the provision of health care benefits based on a patient's gender identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other personal characteristic. Covered benefits such as prescription drugs and devices, elective sterilization procedures, diagnostic testing, medically indicated surgical procedures, and fertility assistance, including intrauterine insemination, egg retrieval, and other assisted reproductive technologies should be covered under the same terms for all patients.
The AAFP supports coverage by all payers for fertility preservation services, including cryopreservation and long-term storage of eggs, sperm and embryos, when medically indicated as part of treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses that may impair fertility or future childbearing potential. These services should be recognized as standard of care and covered equitably alongside other medically necessary interventions.
Coverage equity includes services for individuals requiring transition or transgender care, determined through patient-centered shared decision-making between the patient and physician, as well as all recommended preventive services provided in accordance with evidence-based standards of care. (2002) (December 2025 BC)