Duckworth renews push to create federal in-vitro fertilization protections
Source: Springfield State Journal- Register
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is renewing her push in Washington to ensure nationwide access to in-vitro fertilization treatment, ahead of a scheduled Thursday vote.
The latest attempt from the Chicago Democrat, a prior bill stalling in February, the Right to IVF Act would enshrine IVF access for civilians and service members, require insurance coverage for the treatment and protect providers from any liability.
IVF is broadly protected in Illinois, state lawmakers taking action last month to expand insurance coverage for the treatment. Duckworth along with fellow Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Patty Murray of Washington wants those same protections at the federal level.
"This is an existential moment in our nation," said Booker, a former presidential candidate, during a news conference in Washington. "I believe that we have to secure these rights, and that you see a small amount of people trying to exercise and impose their will over the will of Americans across the spectrum."
IVF entered the national spotlight earlier this year after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through the treatment are children. Republicans, in response, have tried to shore up protections as they have largely struggled in abortion-related elections in the post-Roe era.
Republican U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama are leading legislation, dubbed the IVF Protection Act, which would pull Medicaid funding from states if they banned the procedure. Duckworth countered this could actually encourage GOP-majority states to ban IVF since they have already tried cutting Medicaid spending in years past.
"Calling your bill the IVF Protection Act without doing anything to protect IVF is despicable," she said, conceiving her two children through IVF. "It is akin to an arsonist selling you fire insurance that doesn't cover arson."
The vote comes as Senate Republicans blocked legislation last week that would guarantee access nationwide to contraception. The U.S. Supreme Court's Griswold v. Connecticut decision protects this right, but the legislation would have enshrined it into the U.S. Constitution. Both Duckworth and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, expressed dismay at the failed vote.
By: Patrick M. Keck
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