Special Poll
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) emphasized that access to IVF is now under threat from conservative lawmakers, especially after the Alabama ruling.
Republicans Block IVF Bill:
On Tuesday, Republicans blocked a bill that aimed to guarantee access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments and mandate insurance coverage. They criticized the move as a political stunt by Democrats.
Vote Breakdown:
The vote ended 51-44, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward. Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted alongside Democrats and independents.
Four senators, including Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), were absent and did not vote.
GOP’s Criticism:
Republican senators, including Ted Cruz (R-Texas), labeled the bill, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), as a “show vote,” accusing Democrats of falsely portraying Republican views on IVF.
Cruz’s Competing Bill:
Ted Cruz attempted to pass a competing bill that would stop Medicaid funding for states that ban IVF. This proposal was blocked by Democrats.
Cruz’s Argument:
Cruz argued that no senator, Republican or Democrat, wanted to ban IVF. However, Democrats saw the need to push Republicans on the issue, especially after former President Trump called for universal IVF coverage.
Democrats’ Response:
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized Trump, calling his support for IVF another false promise. She highlighted how Trump’s actions, particularly in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, have jeopardized access to reproductive care, including IVF.
GOP Divisions Over IVF:
Some Republicans are open to Trump’s proposal, but the party remains divided. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) voiced opposition, preferring a tax credit for IVF instead of a government mandate.
Recent Developments in Alabama:
The issue of IVF gained national attention earlier this year when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are legally considered children, leading to the temporary closure of IVF clinics. Alabama lawmakers quickly addressed the issue.
Future Implications:
Democrats have consistently tied IVF access to broader reproductive rights, including abortion and contraception. They warn that the conservative Supreme Court could revisit these issues following the Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade.