Democrats Call for Republican Backing on Bill Protecting IVF Nationwide

Senate Democrats are seeking unanimous consent from Republicans on legislation to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The move, expected to come before the Senate on Feb. 28, follows widespread outrage in response to a Feb. 16 Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found embryos are legally considered children under state law and protected by unlawful death statutes. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and a number of her Democratic colleagues. They are asking that Senate Republicans support the Access to Family Building Act (pdf), which the lawmaker introduced last month. The bill would “establish a federal right to access IVF and other [assisted reproductive technology] services for all Americans who need it, pre-empting state efforts to limit access and helping ensure no hopeful parent—or their doctors—are punished for trying to start or grow a family,” according to a Feb. 27 press release from the senator’s office....