May 10, 2024

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Duckworth Highlights Importance of IVF Access with IVF Parents and Providers

 

[CHICAGO, IL] – Ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted a listening session for IVF parents and providers to discuss their experiences and the barriers faced while trying to provide care for and grow their families. During today’s session, Duckworth highlighted the importance of passing her Access to Family Building Act, legislation that would protect access to IVF and other Assisted Reproductive Technology nationwide, while Republicans across the country continue their anti-choice crusade, putting reproductive care and access to IVF treatments at risk. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website.

“As moms, we know the joy—and the struggle—that comes every day with being a parent, but I know that none of us would change one moment of it,” Duckworth said. “Because my girls are my everything. But they likely would’ve never even been born if I hadn’t had access to the basic reproductive rights that Americans—up until recently—had been depending on for nearly half a century. As Republicans’ anti-choice crusade continues, I’m so thankful for the work of the medical professionals and advocates working to ensure Illinois remains a beacon of reproductive freedom for women everywhere who cannot access the lifesaving health care they need.”

Today’s listening session at the Fertility Center of Illinois (FCI) featured Chicago Coalition for Family Building (CCFB) President and Northwestern Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Eve C. Feinberg, FCI Medical Director and CCFB Vice President Dr. Jenny Hirshfeld-Cytron, Progyny Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janet Choi and three Illinois moms who had their children with the assistance of IVF. The discussion was moderated by reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist Dr. Amanda Adeleye, Duckworth’s 2024 State of the Union guest. 

“I feel fortunate to live and practice in Illinois where we have strong support from Senator Duckworth for full reproductive autonomy including the right to build families through IVF,” Dr. Feinberg said.

“I echo Dr. Feinberg’s sentiments,” Dr. Hirshfeld said. “It is a privilege and honor to work in a state that supports the full spectrum of reproductive health, including IVF.  Now more than ever we are aware that this is a gift many in our country do not have. Senator Duckworth’s efforts for federal protection of IVF are so incredibly important. I am truly honored to have her as my Senator.”

“As someone who has dedicated my career to advancing reproductive health, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Senator Duckworth for her tireless advocacy in raising awareness about the critical need for access to fertility treatments and family building care,” said Dr. Choi. “Her commitment to championing inclusive healthcare policies has empowered countless individuals and families to pursue their dreams of parenthood.”

Throughout her time in the Senate, Duckworth has made protecting reproductive freedom and expanding access to IVF top priorities in the face of Republicans’ anti-choice crusade. Duckworth is the author of the Access to Family Building Act and, in February, she led a group of Senate Democrats in calling for the bill’s passage through unanimous consent, only for Republican U.S. Senator of Mississippi Cindy Hyde-Smith to object and block Duckworth’s effort. This was the second time Senate Republicans blocked Duckworth-led legislation that would protect access to IVF nationwide. The Access to Family Building Act builds on previous legislation she introduced in 2022.

Duckworth was the first Senator to give birth while serving in office and had both of her children with the help of IVF. In 2018 she advocated for the Senate to change its rules so she could bring her infant onto the Senate floor.

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