September 17, 2024
Despite all the talk about protecting IVF…for the second time in the last three months the Senate failed to pass a bill that would federally protect invitro fertilization.
It’s technical, but because people seem to be confused, let me clarify what happened today. Republicans tried to use a procedural maneuver called unanimous consent to bring their IVF bill up for a vote. That bill was not on the docket to be voted on today — so their maneuver was blocked by Democrats. Then the Democrat’s IVF bill which was on the docket for a vote today failed when Republicans blocked it. Now — back in June – when both the Democrat’s IVF bill and the Republican’s IVF bill was on the docket for a vote — both failed. I told you all about that in this video. Back then Democrats said they voted against that Republican version because did not do nearly enough to protect IVF.
Now back to this afternoon –the Democrat’s version of the bill went up for a vote again …failed again. The vote was 51 to 44. The bill needed 60 votes to move on to the next step. 46 Democrats, 3 Independents and 2 Republicans Senators Murkowski and Collins voted yes to move forward and all 44 no votes came from Republicans. Five Senators did not vote.
Now before you say this bill – brought by the Democrats — must have included a bunch of “pork”– let me clear that up. It did not. This bill is intentionally only about IVF. This bill would have done several things but generally it would have given any individual including members of the military — the right to receive these fertility treatments from authorized health care providers or continue to receive ongoing treatment if necessary without any prohibition, limitation, interference or impediment from any government. The bill would have also made sure that Americans can make their own decisions about donation, testing, use, storage or disposition of “reproductive genetic material” including sperm, fertilized eggs and embryos. It also establishes the rights of the health care providers to offer these IVF treatments and storage as they see fit and says if “group health insurance” companies provide OB coverage, they must also cover IVF treatments. There are obviously some limitations, but generally this bill would require coverage. This bill – if it was passed would override any state law that may be restricting IVF in any way.
The bill’s sponsor – Tammy Duckworth – a combat veteran herself who has talked a lot about her own IVF journey slammed Republicans for voting against the bill – again. Especially after former president Trump has promised if he’s elected that he’ll do most of what’s in this bill – including making insurance companies pay for IVF treatment
So the question is – why did the Republicans vote no? Senator Katie Britt said Republicans are not against IVF – she said they’re against this particular bill they want their version.
