The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish synagogue organization with nearly 1,000 synagogues nationwide, praised New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for securing a victory for couples facing infertility. Assembly Speaker Silver successfully led efforts to achieve infertility insurance coverage in New York State, legislation he introduced in 1986. Under the new agreement, couples will be able to better cope with the financial hardships associated with infertility treatments.

Access to medical treatment for infertility, which exacts both a financial and emotional price, is an important concern to the Orthodox Jewish community. We believe that the family unit plays an extremely important part in the success and stability of American society, our communities, and in our religious and educational institutions.

Families should indeed be able to have access to coverage for infertility treatments. We thank New York State Assembly Sheldon Silver for his outstanding efforts to enable childless couples to procure treatment and for helping couples who are struggling with the financial and emotional aspects of this painful issue. Speaker Silver’s important endeavor is an important contribution to strengthening families and provides much-needed help to those who hope to become parents.