Two Republican U.S. Senators, Katie Britt and Ted Cruz, introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding in vitro fertilization (IVF) following a Alabama Supreme Court decision earlier this year that declared fertilized embryos as children under state law.
After the ruling, Alabama state legislators and Governor Kay Ivey passed a measure during the 2024 session to shield IVF clinics from civil and criminal liabilities, allowing them to continue operations.
Britt and Cruz are teaming up on the IVF Protection Act to further safeguard IVF services throughout the United States.
“I’m honored to join Senator Ted Cruz in introducing the IVF Protection Act. IVF is pro-family, and I’m proud to strongly support continued nationwide access to this pathway to parenthood for the millions of American couples facing infertility,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “As a mom, I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing than our children, and IVF helps families across our nation experience the joyous miracle of life, grow, and thrive.”
RELATED: Britt says in vitro fertilization is pro-family, ‘deserves protection’
The legislation does not compel any person or organization to provide IVF services. It allows states to implement health and safety standards regarding the practice of IVF. It would also make states ineligible to receive Medicaid funding if they ban access to IVF.
“This commonsense piece of legislation affirms both life and liberty — family and freedom, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact it into law.”
Britt and Cruz both appeared on FOX this morning to discuss their legislation:
I’m honored to join @SenTedCruz in introducing the IVF Protection Act today. IVF helps parents across America experience the miracle of life and start and grow their families.
I’m proud to support continued nationwide access to this pathway to parenthood. pic.twitter.com/FCJVB9XRox
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) May 20, 2024
“IVF has given miraculous hope to millions of Americans, and it has given families across the country the gift of children,” U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said. “I’m proud to partner with Sen. Katie Britt to ensure that couples in Texas and across the country have the opportunity to be loving parents, by ensuring that IVF is fully protected at the federal level.”
RELATED: Reed, Ledbetter detail Alabama lawmakers’ approach to IVF: ‘Be very focused, get wise counsel’
“My goal is for Alabama to be the best place in the world to live, work, worship, and raise a family,” Britt said. “Ultimately, IVF helps create life and grow families, and it deserves the protection of the law. I’ll continue to advance a culture of life while ensuring moms and children have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive and live their American Dream.”
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, seven in ten Americans believe people having access to IVF is a good thing. The data also showed that women (70%) and men (69%) are about equally likely to favor IVF access.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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