Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) criticized her Republican colleagues who voted to block legislation on Thursday that would have codified into law a nationwide right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In an interview with CNN’s “The Source,” Kaitlan Collins asked Klobuchar what her message is to Senate Republicans who say they support in vitro fertilization but voted against the legislation because of Democrats’ “political arrogance.”
“I would like you to say that to the two Minnesota women I met this morning, both of whom have beautiful children because of IVF,” Klobuchar responded. “Eight million […] children born in the United States with in vitro fertilization. More than 1,100 in my state alone last year. These are real families. These are families who look at this with horror.”
“And, of course, we want to codify it into law,” continued Klobuchar, directing her message to Republicans. “And so if they want to do it, don’t just talk about it. Do it.”
Thursday’s bill needed 60 votes to advance, which would require nine Republicans to break ranks and vote with Democrats. The final vote was 48 to 47, with only two Republicans defecting: Senator Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).
The Right to IVF Act, sponsored by Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth (D), Patty Murray (D), and Cory Booker (D), is a package of four bills that would establish a national right to in vitro fertilization and other IVF technologies. assisted reproduction, as well as reducing the costs of IVF treatment to make it more affordable.
Thursday’s vote is the latest in a series organized by Senate Democratic leadership on codifying reproductive rights. This comes a week after Republicans blocked a similar bill from Democrats that would have guaranteed the right to contraception.
Republicans criticized the vote as an election-year stunt, voicing concerns about unfunded mandates and the impact on religious freedom.
Senate Republicans on Wednesday attempted to introduce their own alternative IVF bill from Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), which would block states from receiving Medicaid funding if they implement a ban on IVF. IVF, but they wouldn’t stop. a court restricts the procedure.
Cruz and Britt also said the legislation would ensure that in vitro fertilization is fully protected under federal law, although it would not create a right to in vitro fertilization.
Murray blocked the bill, saying Wednesday that it “explicitly allows states to enact onerous restrictions and requirements that would force IVF clinics to close their doors,” adding, “This bill is nothing more than a scam.” public relations, providing cover for Republicans to somehow continue pretending they won’t control women’s bodies.”
On the Senate floor Wednesday, Britt said Democrats were only interested in fearmongering.
“Unfortunately, they’re not interested in a bill to actually protect access to IVF and figuring out how we could get this to become law. That would not advance their true goal, which is partisan electoral politics,” Britt said.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
