On October 10, 2025, the Hon. Vernon S. Broderick of the Southern District of New York issued a final approval of a class action settlement in Goidel v. Aetna, a federal class action lawsuit addressing claims of discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ policyholders seeking fertility treatments.

The lawsuit — filed by ECBAWM and co-counsel at the National Women’s Law Center in September 2021 on behalf of Emma Goidel, Ilana Lee, Madeleine Lee, and Lesley Brown — alleged that Aetna’s policies regarding artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF) discriminated against LGBTQ+ beneficiaries by subjecting them to higher out-of-pocket costs and longer waiting periods compared to heterosexual couples. The plaintiffs argued that these practices violated Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and various state and local laws.

Under the settlement agreement, approximately 143 class members will be entitled to meaningful financial compensation. Most class members will be entitled to a minimum approximate award of $12,300, with the opportunity to obtain additional reimbursement. This settlement, described as resolving a “groundbreaking case” by Judge Broderick, also includes significant injunctive relief. In particular, Aetna has introduced a new industry-leading policy making intrauterine insemination a standard medical benefit covered for all members, and has revised its artificial insemination and IVF requirements to ensure that fertility treatment is more accessible for LGBTQ+ individuals.

ECBAWM attorneys Zoe Salzman, Debra L. Greenberger, and Eric Abrams are proud to have represented these members alongside co-counsel at NWLC.