Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

The Democrat-backed IVF bill failed to gain the necessary votes to proceed in the Senate, despite former President Trump's vocal support for the measure. The Republican-controlled Senate has previously voted against the bill, and a new vote is scheduled for Tuesday.

Former President Trump's recent declaration of support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) has reignited the debate over reproductive rights in the United States. Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have scheduled an additional vote on the Right to IVF Act, which would require insurance companies to cover IVF treatment.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), failed to garner the necessary 60 votes in a procedural vote in June, falling short by 51 to 44 votes. Republicans have argued against the legislation, citing concerns over the cost and ethics of IVF.

Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

Despite Republican opposition, Trump declared at a Michigan event last month that his administration would "pay for — or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for — all costs associated with IVF treatment." The former president emphasized his support for the procedure, stating, "We want more babies, to put it nicely."

Schumer's decision to bring the bill back to the Senate floor comes after Trump's announcement and amid ongoing efforts by Democrats to secure access to reproductive healthcare. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday.

Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama have proposed their own IVF bill, which they say would prevent bans on the procedure but allow for "commonsense regulation." However, their measure has also been blocked from being voted on.

Cruz and Britt led a statement signed by the entire Republican conference, reiterating their support for IVF while opposing the Democrat-backed bill, which they argue goes too far.

Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

At the time, Cruz and Britt objected to a request for unanimous consent to proceed to a vote on their bill. Schumer has also not scheduled a traditional vote on their measure.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has introduced a bill designed to promote IVF, which was bicameral and introduced in the House by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.). His measure seeks to decouple Health Savings Accounts (HSA) from health insurance plans and raise the contribution limits for families to assist in paying for IVF expenses.

Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

Scott made a request for unanimous consent to advance his bill to a vote on Monday night, but it was objected to by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Scott declined to comment on private conversations with Trump about his IVF proposal, but reiterated his support for the procedure.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who is running for Republican Senate leader in November, said he had not discussed the IVF proposal with Trump but acknowledged that it was a topic of discussion among his colleagues.

Republicans Block Democrat-Backed IVF Bill, Despite Trump's Support

Thune emphasized that Republicans support IVF, but expressed concerns about mandating private insurance coverage for the procedure. He argued that such mandates raise insurance rates and called for discussions on the matter.

The debate over the IVF bill highlights the ongoing divide between Democrats and Republicans on reproductive rights. Democrats have sought to expand access to reproductive healthcare, including IVF, while Republicans have generally opposed such measures. With the midterm elections approaching, the issue is likely to remain a key topic of discussion.