On Tuesday, Senate Republicans once again blocked a bill that sought to ensure access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), amidst a growing debate over reproductive rights leading up to the 2024 elections.

IVF, a method used to help individuals struggling with infertility, has become a contentious political topic since a February ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court granted fertilized embryos the same rights as children, prompting many fertility clinics in the state to pause their services.

The Right to IVF Act, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, was designed to protect and broaden access to fertility treatments on a national scale. This bill had already been denied in June, following Duckworth’s earlier attempt to gain unanimous consent for a similar measure in February, which was also obstructed by a Republican senator.

“By blocking my Right to IVF Act a second time within a few months, Republicans have shown they will go to great lengths to avoid passing laws that would safeguard women’s access to reproductive healthcare,” said Duckworth, who is a mother via IVF. “To every woman who has endured the heartbreaking experience of infertility, I say: Shame on you, Republicans.”

Two Republicans Joined Democrats in Support of the Right to IVF Act

The Right to IVF Act was voted down with 51 in favor and 44 against, with 5 lawmakers, including JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, not casting a vote. To advance, the bill required 60 votes. Both Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, sided with Democrats to support the bill again, as they did in June.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., accused the Democrats of staging a “show vote” and proposed her own IVF protection bill alongside Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, which was blocked by the Democrats.

Britt’s bill aimed to secure IVF protection through federal legislation but included a threat to withdraw Medicaid funding from states that would prohibit IVF.

Reproductive Rights Are Important in the 2024 Election

Vice President Kamala Harris has prioritized access to reproductive rights in her emergent presidential campaign.

Trump has traditionally endorsed IVF but surprised many conservatives during his recent campaign appearances when he declared his intention to make insurance companies or the government cover IVF expenses.

Vance, an Ohio senator, voted against the Right to IVF Act in June before being nominated as Trump’s running mate, and he has faced scrutiny for comments he made regarding women without children.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, also utilized fertility treatments to expand their family.

Contributing: Savannah Kuchar, YSL News