Senators push to protect IVF for all

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Illinois Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, whose two daughters are a result of IVF, is leading the charge to protect access to fertility treatments in every state.

“It’s a little personal to me when a majority male court suggest that people like me who are not able to have kids without the help of modern medicine should be in jail cells,” Duckworth said.

Duckworth says the Alabama Supreme Court ruling which states embryos created by in vitro fertilization are children, jeopardizes countless families like hers.

Senate Democrats are now racing to pass legislation to ensure doctors and patients do not face prosecution.

Alabama state lawmakers are pushing legislation to do the same, after three fertility clinics in the state paused services.

Since the court ruling Republicans, including Donald Trump, say IVF treatments must be protected.

“We want it easier for Americans to have babies not harder,” said Trump.

Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley says he is skeptical of Duckworth’s plan.

“I want to read Tammy’s bill and read what’s exactly in it. She offered a bill some years ago that I thought was really about abortions,” Hawley said.

Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance argues Democrats are weaponizing the issue.

“Which is pretty shameful because I don’t know a Republican who wants to, at a federal or state level, reduce access to basic fertility treatment,” said Vance.

Duckworth says she will put that to the test Wednesday when she calls on the Senate to pass her bill unanimously.

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