In May, U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the IVF Protection Act, which has since been blocked by Senate Democrats who wield the power of the majority in the upper chamber. However, the U.S. House of Representatives will now consider the measure.
U.S. Reps. Scott Perry (R-PA) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced they’re introducing and advocating for companion legislation to Britt and Cruz’s bill.
According to Britt, the bill does not compel any person or organization to provide IVF services, and it permits states to implement health and safety standards regarding the practice of IVF. Under the language of the legislation, states would be ineligible to receive Medicaid funding if they banned access to IVF. The senators led a joint statement supporting full access to IVF signed by every Republican in the Senate.
“Along with Senator Cruz, I appreciate Representatives Perry and Mace leading this bicameral effort to ensure continued nationwide IVF access,” said Britt. “IVF helps aspiring parents across our nation start and grow their families, and our IVF Protection Act would preserve this pathway to parenthood for the millions of Americans who face infertility every year.”
“While Democrats prioritize scaring families, I’m proud to join my Republican colleagues in fighting for families.”
Senator Cruz also applauded the effort in the House but pointed out that Democrats have failed to take part in passing meaningful regulations protecting IVF treatments.
“IVF is a medical miracle that has brought the joy of parenthood to millions of families nationwide who may have never otherwise had the experience of having a child,” said Cruz. “I was proud to work with Sen. Britt to try to advance the IVF Protection Act in the Senate, and I applaud Reps. Perry and Mace for introducing it in the House.”
“It’s deeply unfortunate that Senate Democrats have put politics over people once again and objected to clear and strong federal protections for IVF.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
