Submitted by fredaanimals t3_zumnap in newhampshire
Great news! Especially if you live in New Hampshire. Ellen Read, a state rep has proposed a new bill which would prohibit doctors from denying sterilization treatment (on the basis of perceived future reproduction desires of the patient) in cases where it is a medically advisable procedure for a condition (doctors who violate this would lose their license); AND it states that if a patient age 18+ wishes to receive a sterilization procedure outside of any medical diagnosis, a doctor cannot deny that without providing them a referral to a doctor who will. Pretty amazing right? So many people suffering from PCOS or endometriosis who would greatly benefit from a bill such as this; as well as anyone who wants to be sterilized for non-medical reasons. Here is a great interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm1XTb5Uw6w&t=13s with Ellen which discusses not only the bill but her journey with PCOS and the barriers she faced to receive the treatment she so desperately needed. Unfortunately, she was forced to needlessly suffer for 12 years because of several doctors’ own perception that Ellen would desire to procreate in the future although she fervently informed them she will never have that desire AND her husband was vasectomized. Ellen would love to have anyone from New Hampshire testify in person or if you’re not from NH or are unable to testify in person, through email/letter as to why this bill should pass. If you are aware of any physicians who would support a bill this, please reach out to them.
Here is Ellen’s website: www.ellen4nh.com
Her contact info:
352-978-7692
And some media coverage: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/briefs/lawmaker-aims-to-address-hysterectomy-hurdles/