Florida U.S. Senate candidates clash over IVF support
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sen. Rick Scott made a stop in Tampa Friday to thank veterans for their support in his campaign for re-election.
After the Veterans for Scott event, the senator answered questions. That’s when he talked about a new bill, he filed Thursday relating to in-vitro fertilization.
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“I want to expand the use of HSAs, health savings accounts, and make it easier for families to help pay for them on pre-tax dollars,” Scott said.
The senator is once again re-iterating his support for IVF.
“I’m always going to support IVF,” Scott said.
Last month, the senator voted against a bipartisan measure to guarantee federal access to IVF. Shortly after, he said didn’t agree with everything in that bill. He also said access to IVF is not being threatened.
Earlier this week, his Democratic opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, was critical of his voting record.
“He is attacking women’s right to choose,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “He voted against IVF. He voted against access to contraception. He’s too extreme for Florida.”
Friday, the senator pushed back on his opponent.
“I’m very supportive of contraception,” Scott said.
In a post on X, Mucarsel-Powell expressed her skepticism of the senator’s newly filed bill.
“He is suddenly pretending to care about Floridians’ access to IVF and affordable health care just to get re-elected,” Mucarsel-Powell posted.
Scott was asked about that post and pushed back.
“Well, first off she’s a liar,” Scott said. “My second daughter is going through IVF right now. I’m very supportive of what she’s going through.
Political Expert Tara Newsom expects issues like IVF to drive Florida women to the polls.
“Women are paying attention to this election on both sides of the isle,” Newsom said. “Women are voting on just more than IVF. They are energized about reproductive freedom and education.
Newsom also said the senator’s voting record on issues like access to reproductive care sends mixed signals to voters.
“Rick Scott is already a very vulnerable as a candidate,” Newsom said.
As for the recently filed IVF HSA bill, it’s making its way through the committee process. It’s unclear if it will make it to the floor for a vote.
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