Bill > HB1477

This bill creates new legal protections for fertility health care rights in North Dakota by establishing comprehensive definitions and clear rights for individuals, health care providers, health carriers, and manufacturers involved in fertility treatments and assisted reproduction. The bill defines key terms such as "assisted reproduction" (methods of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse), "fertility treatment" (health care services related to reproductive medical care), and "reproductive genetic material" (oocytes, sperm, and embryos). It explicitly prohibits state or local governmental entities from implementing policies that could prohibit, limit, delay, or impede access to fertility services, and establishes that individuals have rights to receive fertility treatments, make decisions about reproductive genetic material, and enter contracts with health care providers. The bill also provides enforcement mechanisms, allowing civil actions to be brought by the attorney general or affected individuals if rights are violated, with potential remedies including injunctive relief, court costs, and attorney's fees. Importantly, the bill allows for continued enforcement of health and safety regulations as long as they align with widely accepted medical standards and cannot be accomplished through less restrictive means. The legislation aims to protect and expand reproductive health care choices while maintaining appropriate medical oversight.