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HB 645

Criminal Law - Fraud - Assisted Reproductive Treatment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen

HB 645 creates criminal fraud penalties for deceptive practices in Maryland fertility clinics to protect patients from financial and medical exploitation in assisted reproductive treatment.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 645

Legislative bill overview

HB 645 addresses fraud related to assisted reproductive treatment in Maryland by establishing criminal penalties for fraudulent practices in fertility services. The bill aims to protect consumers seeking reproductive medical services from deceptive or dishonest conduct by healthcare providers or clinics. Specific details on penalty levels and which conduct constitutes fraud are pending examination of the bill text.

Why is this important

Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) represents significant financial and emotional investment for individuals and families, with fertility procedures often costing thousands of dollars and not covered by insurance. Without explicit fraud protections, patients have limited legal recourse if clinics misrepresent success rates, credentials, procedures, or use of biological materials. This legislation creates a dedicated legal framework to hold providers accountable for deceptive practices in a rapidly growing medical field.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "fraud" definition: Disagreement may arise over what constitutes criminal fraud versus standard medical malpractice, and whether the bill's language is specific enough to avoid over-criminalization of medical judgment differences
  • Industry compliance burden: Fertility clinics may argue that overly broad definitions create operational challenges and defensive practices that increase costs passed to patients
  • Balance with civil remedies: Questions about whether criminal penalties duplicate existing civil fraud protections or whether this creates appropriate additional accountability for egregious conduct

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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