Republicans block Democrat bill for IVF rights ahead of November elections

Republicans in the US Senate on Thursday (June 13) blocked a bill that aimed to recognise a legal right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill, as per AFP, was part of a Democratic drive to highlight the threats faced by reproductive freedoms as the November elections approach.

The proposed legislation sought to establish a federal right to IVF and allow providers to offer the procedure, along with expanded insurance coverage, to reduce costs.

The blocked bill

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The bill required the support of 60 senators to proceed to debate, but only secured backing from 48, with just two Republicans joining Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasised the personal significance of IVF, noting its role in the birth of his grandson.

"All this bill does is establish a nationwide right to IVF and eliminate barriers for millions of Americans who seek IVF to have kids," he said.

"It's personal to me. I have a beautiful one-year-old grandson because of the miracle of IVF."

Republicans criticised the bill as excessive and accused Democrats of using it to "show vote" and create alarm about IVF access.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz asserted that no senators were attempting to ban IVF. "Let's be clear: No one is trying to ban IVF. Not one senator," he said.

America and IVF

In America, 82 per cent of Americans find IVF morally acceptable — as reflected by a recent Gallup poll.

However, the destruction of frozen human embryos remains a contentious issue.

IVF became a focal point after the Alabama Supreme Court's February ruling that classified frozen embryos as children, making their destruction a potential liability.

(With inputs from agencies)