Despite Trump’s support for the “Right to IVF” bill, Senate Republicans have ensured the Democrat failed a second time. In a second vote on September 17, the bill sponsored by Senator Tammy Duckworth failed to secure the necessary 60 votes with a tally of 51-44.
. Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed concern over the implications of recent state-level rulings defining embryos as persons, which could limit access to IVF treatments. “I worry that laws could be passed in some states that would define ‘a fertilized egg as a human being,’ which then prevents IVF from being carried out,” Duckworth stated.
Despite GOP lawmakers dismissing the bill as a “show vote,” some, like Senator John Thune of South Dakota, acknowledged a general support for IVF. “Republicans support IVF full stop,” he said, accusing Democrats of politicizing the issue.
Other republicans have even offered alternatives. Senators. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas alternative would cut off Medicaid funding for states if they prohibit IVF.
Senator Rick Scott, also proposed expanding health savings accounts for IVF expenses. He emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration, urging Democrats to engage in discussions to craft a bill that can pass.
However, Duckworth challenged these, arguing that Republican positions on personhood contradict their support for IVF. She pointed out, “You can’t support a fertilized egg being a human being… and also say you support IVF. The two are contradictory.”
Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tried connecting Senate Republicans and the controversial Project 2025, a policy agenda by the Heritage Foundation that includes restrictions on reproductive health care. Despite disavowals from Trump and most GOP lawmakers, Schumer argued that a Republican vote against the IVF protection bill suggests alignment with Project 2025’s goals.
Although he didn’t vote Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance has reiterated his stance through his spokeswoman, Taylor Van Kirk.
President Trump and Senator Vance have made themselves crystal clear: They fully support guaranteed IVF access for every American family,”
Following the bill’s failure, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Republican resistance, stating, “Every woman in every state must have reproductive freedom. Yet, Republicans in Congress have once again made clear that they will not protect access to the fertility treatments many couples need to fulfill their dream of having a child.
With the issue becoming a significant campaign topic, Duckworth expressed hope for a future where Democrats might regain control and revisit the legislation. “I think it’s really important to families around the country to be able to start their families when they want to,” she concluded, emphasizing the necessity of addressing this pressing concern
