Categories: Politics

Dem Sen Duckworth looks to put Republicans on record with forced IVF vote

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., will attempt to force a vote Wednesday on her bill to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in the wake of Alabama’s controversial Supreme Court ruling, which triggered an abrupt end to some fertility procedures in the state. 

She plans to request unanimous consent from her fellow senators to bring a vote on her bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to the floor. 

Duckworth’s expected move is a bid to force Republicans to make their stance clear as to whether they believe in protections for IVF, as several GOP senators scrambled to clarify their support for the procedure following nationwide backlash to the Alabama decision. The court’s ruling faced significant scrutiny after it determined that embryos created during the IVF process should be considered children under state law. 

Several Republicans, including Sens. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., have since addressed the issue, saying they back the fertility method.

JILL BIDEN TO LEAD NATIONAL ‘WOMEN FOR BIDEN-HARRIS’ PROGRAM, CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES

Sen. Tammy Duckworth speaks about a bill to establish federal protections for IVF as Sen. Patty Murray listens during a press event on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (Getty Images)

“I didn’t think it was needed until now,” Romney told Politico of Duckworth’s bill. 

“We may need to take a look at what’s made available. I understand that states are looking at their laws as well. I would have several fewer grandkids if we didn’t have IVF,” he said Monday. 

Hawley went even further, stating, “I think IVF ought to be protected in law as it is in my state,” USA Today reported. The Missouri Republican also noted a difference between the issues of abortion and IVF.

Sen. Josh Hawley (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

While some Republicans professed support for the method but not explicitly the bill in question, the office of Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., indicated he backs his Democratic colleague’s measure. 

Despite some support from Republicans for IVF, and potentially for Duckworth’s bill, aides to several GOP senators indicated it is likely someone will object. 

Blackburn, who believes IVF should be protected, said in a statement, “Democrats are using fear tactics and the media to scare voters.” 

Sen. Marsha Blackburn questions Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on March 16, 2023, on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Following the Alabama ruling, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Executive Director Jason Thielman released a memo urging candidates to back IVF, signaling concerns that the decision could be a problem for vulnerable Republicans. 

Duckworth and several other Democratic senators are set to make floor speeches at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday ahead of the unanimous consent request. 

Share

Recent Posts

Calls for US to do more as antisemitic acts skyrocket in Europe: ‘enormously painful’

close Video Mark Levin asks 'where the hell is the outcry' from U.S. leaders against…

2 hours ago

Maryland man found guilty of killing girlfriend, unborn baby in county’s first-ever conviction of its kind

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 23 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

California man allegedly stabbed multiple people; was arrested, released week prior

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 23 Fox News Flash top headlines…

4 hours ago

San Francisco minors, as young as 12, caught allegedly shoplifting over $84K of merchandise: police

close Video San Fran minors as young as 12 arrested over alleged retail crime involving…

4 hours ago

Man in India regains consciousness before his cremation on funeral pyre: reports

close Video Dozens of Christian graves toppled and vandalized in historic Jerusalem cemetery Israel Police…

6 hours ago

Trump administration takes shape: President-elect completes top 15 Cabinet picks

President-elect Trump has rounded out his picks for the top 15 positions within his Cabinet,…

7 hours ago