Republicans’ Support for IVF and Life at Conception Act Under Scrutiny
Republicans who support in vitro fertilization (IVF) are facing scrutiny for also backing legislation that declares human life begins at conception without an exception for IVF. This contradiction has put Republicans in a difficult position on reproductive rights issues.
The Life at Conception Act, introduced by GOP Rep. Alex Mooney and supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, defines human life to include all stages of life, including fertilization. However, the bill does not include a carveout for IVF, raising concerns among Democrats and reproductive rights activists.
After the controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that deemed frozen embryos used in IVF as children, Republicans rushed to distance themselves from the ruling and express support for fertility treatments. But Democrats argue that supporting IVF while co-sponsoring the Life at Conception Act is incongruous.
GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, who supports IVF and opposes federal restrictions on the procedure, is also a co-sponsor of the Life at Conception Act. Democrats are seizing on this issue to highlight the contradictions within the Republican Party.
The House Majority PAC, aligned with House Democrats, has criticized vulnerable Republicans who support the Life at Conception Act. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is committed to supporting candidates who stand up for reproductive freedoms and holding Republicans accountable for their anti-abortion stances.
Despite claims from Democrats, Republicans like Rep. Don Bacon argue that the purpose of the Life at Conception Act is not to ban IVF but to make a statement of principle. Bacon chose not to support the bill in this session of Congress due to concerns about potential misconceptions and distortions of the legislation.
The debate over the Life at Conception Act highlights the complexities of reproductive rights issues within the Republican Party and the ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans on this contentious topic.
