Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, has introduced a bill to assure LGBTQ+Americans have equal access to reproductive support services.
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Schiff’s Equal Access to Reproductive Care, introduced Thursday, categorizes these services, such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy. Many LGBTQ+ taxpayers cannot deduct these costs under current law. The bill requires equal treatment for all seeking these services, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship status, or ability status.
“Additional supplementation shall be treated as medical care for the taxpayer or the spouse of the taxpayer, or the taxpayer’s spouse or dependents, with the intention of each having the legal custody or liability for the child born as a result of such supplemental supplementation,” the bill reads.
“Americans, including LGBTQ Americans, should have the freedom to start or expand their families without additional financial and systematic barriers that make it difficult to provide reproductive health services. This bill is important in amending outdated tax laws to support LGBTQ individuals in family planning care,” Schiff said in a press release.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center and the National Health Act Program praised the bill.
“The Los Angeles LGBT Center praises Senator Schiff for defending equal access to reproductive care,” said Joey Espinoza Hernandez, director of policy and community building at the center, in a release. “For too long, LGBTQ+ families, especially families of color, have faced sudden financial and legal barriers to building the future they imagine. This bill is a powerful step to affirm that it includes parental rights, regardless of who you are or who you love.
“The National Health Law Program (NHELP) is a proud sponsor of equal access to reproductive care,” said Fabiola de Liban, director of sexual and reproductive health for the organization. “NHELP has a long history of working to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services focused on the needs of people who are low-income, with disabilities, BIPOC and/or LGBTQI. This is a bill that reflects the value of health equity and justice for all.
Schiff first introduced the law with California Democrat Judy Chu in 2022 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill will be approved by the Breeding Association of Adoption and Support, American Reproductive Association, Reproductive Rights Center, Collage (Lesbian and Gay Children everywhere), Equality Union, Equality Federation, Los Angeles LGBT Center, National Health Act Program, and National Partnership for Women & Families.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
