Fertility Treatment is Deemed Essential

It was announced that fertility treatment is deemed essential in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York state governor Andrew Cuomo stated reproductive health, including infertility, is a decision that rests between the doctor and the patient.

The announcement includes the following:

The purpose of this guidance document is to clarify that the Department considers sexual and reproductive health services as essential services, however the ultimate decision on when such services must occur is between a patient and clinical provider. These services include but are not limited to:

• Birth control, including Long Active Reversible Contraceptives, such as IUDs;
• Fertility services, including infertility treatment and procedures;
• Gynecological surgeries to address acute complications related to conditions, such as fibroids or endometriosis;
• Abortion services;
• Obstetrical care, such as vaginal and cesarean deliveries;
• Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases;
• Evaluation for gynecologic and breast cancer, when medically indicated based on patient history and/or physical exam.

When making clinical decisions regarding the need for services during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the goal of minimizing the use of hospital resources, such as emergency department visits, should be a high priority. Postponing non-essential surgeries and procedures, as well as prioritizing high-acuity surgeries and procedures, will assist the State’s efforts to maximize the availability of hospital resources. Hospitals may work with patients and providers to move surgeries and procedures to outpatient settings, such as hospital outpatient departments or diagnostic and treatment centers, if appropriate. Procedures that cannot safely be moved to these settings should not be postponed if a delay in delivering the service, or performing the procedure, risks a patient’s sexual and reproductive health, morbidity, or mortality.

We Are Still Treating Existing Patients And Accepting New Patients

Infertility is time sensitive and we maintain our commitment to you. Fertility Centers of New England remains open. We continue to care for our patients and are accepting new patients. Even if you’re not sure you want to move forward yet, this is a great time to talk to us and we can go over options for when you’re ready.

You can schedule a virtual consultation here.

We remain focused, as always, on providing you with individual care that centers on you.

For the full announcement, click here.