[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38296-38297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15642]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Docket No. CDC-2012-0004]


Draft Public Health Action Plan--A National Public Health Action 
Plan for the Detection, Prevention, and Management of Infertility

AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: On May 16, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) published a notice in the Federal Register requesting 
public comment on the draft National Public Health Action Plan for the 
Detection, Prevention, and Management of Infertility (77 FR 28883). 
Written and electronic comments were to be received on or before June 
15, 2012. HHS/CDC has received a request asking for a 30 day extension 
of the comment period. In consideration of this request, HHS/CDC is 
extending the comment period to July 16, 2012.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 16, 2012. 
Please refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2012-
0004 by any of the following methods:
    Internet: Access the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center 
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of 
Reproductive Health, Attn: National Public Health Action Plan for the 
Detection, Prevention, and Management of Infertility, Docket No. CDC-
2012-0004, 4770 Buford Highway NE., Mailstop K-34, Atlanta, Georgia 
30341.
    All relevant comments received will be posted publicly without 
change, including any personal or proprietary information provided. To 
download an electronic version of the plan, please access http://www.regulations.gov.
    Written comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2012-0004, will be 
available for public inspection Monday through Friday, except for legal 
holidays, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at 2900 
Woodcock Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Please call ahead to (770) 488-
5200 and ask for a representative from the Division of Reproductive 
Health to schedule your visit. Comments may also be viewed at 
www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise Jamieson, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention 
and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, 4770 Buford 
Highway NE., Mailstop K-34, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, (770) 488-5200.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 2007, a CDC-wide ad hoc workgroup formed 
to examine the full scope of infertility activities across the agency. 
This workgroup conducted an assessment to identify gaps and 
opportunities in public health surveillance, research, communications, 
programs, and policy development, which led to the 2010 publication of 
a white paper outlining the need for a national plan, with a public 
health focus, on infertility prevention, detection, and management. In 
consultation with many governmental and nongovernmental partners, CDC 
developed the National Public Health Action Plan for the Detection, 
Prevention and Management of Infertility. Addressing both male and 
female infertility, the plan outlines and summarizes actions needed to 
promote, preserve, and restore the ability of women in the United 
States to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, and deliver a healthy 
infant. This goal extends beyond simply addressing the inability to 
conceive but also focuses on reducing the burden of impaired fecundity 
by promoting behaviors that maintain fertility; by promoting 
prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions; and 
by reducing environmental and occupational threats to fertility. Given 
the public health focus of this action plan, promoting healthy 
pregnancy outcomes associated with treating and managing infertility is 
also important, as is improving the efficacy and safety of infertility 
treatment.
    The document is organized into three chapters: ``Detection of 
Infertility,'' ``Prevention of Infertility,'' and ``Management of 
Infertility.'' Each chapter addresses the topic's public health 
importance, existing challenges, and opportunities for action to 
decrease the impact of infertility on the public's health. The 
suggested opportunities provide federal and other government agencies, 
professional and consumer organizations, and other partners and 
stakeholders a foundation and platform to work together to decrease the 
burden of infertility in the United States.
    Since the draft plan was published on May 16, 2012, HHS/CDC has 
received a request to extend the comment period by an additional 30 
days. HHS/CDC is committed to affording the public a meaningful 
opportunity to comment on the draft plan and welcomes comments.

[[Page 38297]]

    HHS/CDC has posted the original notice and all related materials on 
www.regulations.gov.

    Dated: June 20, 2012.
Kathleen Sebelius,
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 2012-15642 Filed 6-26-12; 8:45 am]
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