Lawmakers work to protect IVF rights
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – About one in six people globally struggle with infertility, and many turn to assisted reproductive services like in vitro fertilization to build their families. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing legislation that would federally protect access to IVF, preventing states from restricting the procedure.
Many couples dream of starting a family, but for some, that process involves emotional and medical challenges.
'We believe, like most Americans do, that the right to start and grow a family through IVF should be protected,' said Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.).
Gillen and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the Access to Family Building Act, which would codify the right to IVF nationwide.
'The last thing they need to worry about is getting through the process and then having legal challenges that might delay their ability to conceive through IVF or just halt the procedure altogether,' Gillen said.
'We want to help people through this journey and make sure their right to IVF is protected,' Lawler added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2% of all infants born in the United States are conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Lawler says the bill would complement other efforts to support family building.
'We want to try to reduce all the barriers for folks who are trying to start and build a family,' he said.
President Donald Trump previously directed his administration to provide policy recommendations aimed at protecting IVF access. Gillen sees that move as an opening for broader support.
'What I saw was an opportunity to try to get him on board to at least codify the right to IVF,' she said.
The legislation has drawn bipartisan support, and Lawler says he is working with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
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