House Republicans Divided on Protecting Access to In Vitro Fertilization
House Republicans at their annual policy retreat in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., have expressed strong support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) this week. However, there is a divide among them on how to protect access to this treatment that has helped numerous families have children.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated that Congress should not have a role in this issue and that it should be handled by individual states. Despite this, more than 120 Republicans, including Johnson, have signed on to legislation from Rep. Alex Mooney of West Virginia that could potentially impact the use of IVF for pregnancy.
The recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, which declared embryos as children, has further complicated the debate on IVF. This has led to Republicans, especially those facing tough re-election bids, reevaluating their stance on the issue.
Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., withdrew her co-sponsorship from Mooney’s Life at Conception Act, emphasizing her support for IVF. Freshman Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., became the first Republican to sign on to House Democrats’ bill to protect access to IVF, calling it “just commonsense.”
The discussion on IVF has also prompted Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., to introduce her own IVF protection legislation, the Right to Try IVF Act. GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York highlighted the importance of engaging on issues of life, including IVF and abortion, on the campaign trail.
While attendance at the GOP retreat was sparse, with only about 100 lawmakers present, the debate on IVF continues to be a significant topic of discussion. Both Democrats and Republicans are grappling with how to address the challenges and opportunities presented by IVF in the current political landscape.
Overall, the issue of IVF has become a focal point for both parties, with differing views on how to protect access to this treatment that has helped millions of families experience the joy of having children.
