Democrats are pushing for the passage of a bill that would mandate insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF), while Republicans continue to block the measure. Former President Trump has expressed support for expanding access to IVF, but his proposal differs from the Democratic bill.
Democrats in the Senate have announced plans for a second vote on a bill that would require insurance companies to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. The bill, known as the Right to IVF Act, failed to garner the necessary 60 votes for advancement in a procedural vote on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) denounced the Republican blockade and vowed to hold another vote on the measure. "We are going to give our Republican colleagues another chance to show the American people where they stand," Schumer stated in a letter to senators.
Democrats Push for IVF Coverage as GOP Blocks Bill
The bill's introduction follows former President Donald Trump's announcement of his support for expanding access to IVF. Trump pledged to mandate insurance coverage for the procedure during a Michigan event last month. "We want more babies, to put it nicely," Trump said.
However, the Republican-led Senate has repeatedly blocked the Democratic-backed IVF bill. In June, nearly all Senate Republicans voted against a key procedural vote that would have advanced the measure.
Democrats Push for IVF Coverage as GOP Blocks Bill
Instead, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) have proposed their own IVF bill, which they claim would prevent bans on the procedure but allow for regulations. Republicans have also signed a statement reiterating their support for IVF.
Despite these efforts, Cruz and Britt's request to proceed with a vote on their bill via unanimous consent was objected to ahead of Tuesday's cloture vote. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also sought to advance his bipartisan IVF bill, but his request was blocked by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Democrats Push for IVF Coverage as GOP Blocks Bill
Scott declined to comment on whether he had discussed Trump's IVF proposal with the former president. However, he expressed support for IVF, stating, "We'll see what Schumer brings up."
Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged discussions about Trump's IVF proposal but emphasized that the Republican caucus would react to the Democratic bill if it is introduced. Thune also expressed skepticism about mandating insurance coverage for the procedure, citing concerns about increased insurance rates.
Democrats Push for IVF Coverage as GOP Blocks Bill
"Every Republican is for IVF. I don't know of any Republican that isn't," Thune said. "The question of whether or not insurance ought to cover it is another issue that we need to talk about."
The Democratic bill would extend IVF coverage to nearly all insurers, as obstetrical coverage is typically included in health plans. The Republican bill, on the other hand, does not provide specific mandates for insurance coverage.
Democrats Push for IVF Coverage as GOP Blocks Bill
The ongoing debate over IVF coverage highlights the political divide on reproductive rights in the United States. Democrats argue that IVF is an essential component of reproductive healthcare, while Republicans express concerns about government mandates and the cost of expanding coverage.
