WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A bill to establish federal protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF) failed in a procedural vote on June 13 in the U.S. Senate.
The Democrat-sponsored measure called the Right to IVF Act would prohibit states from imposing restrictions on access to in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments.
The vote is the latest in a political tit-for-tat as Democrats and Republicans have introduced alternative legislation related to fertility treatments.
VERIFY viewer Duane P. in Clearwater asked if it's true Sen. Rick Scott voted against the IVF legislation but is airing ads saying he supports IVF.
THE QUESTION
Did Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, vote against a bill to protect IVF before airing ads saying he will “always protect IVF?”
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, Scott voted against a bill to protect IVF before airing ads saying he will “always protect IVF” but he said he plans to introduce his own legislation promoting IVF access.
Democrat and Republican lawmakers differ on whether access should be regulated federally or at the state level.
WHAT WE FOUND
After voting against the Right to IVF Act, Scott, who is up for reelection in November, began airing ads saying he supports IVF.
“Millions of babies have come into this world through IVF,” Scott says in the 30-second commercial. “In fact, our youngest daughter’s receiving IVF treatment right now hoping to expand her family.”
Scott also shared his daughter was receiving IVF treatment in a speech on the Senate floor days before the vote was held on the Right to IVF Act.
But Scott was among all but two Republicans to vote against the bill, which required 60 votes.
The June 13 vote is the latest attempt by lawmakers to address fertility treatments after the Alabama Supreme Court in February ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law.
Support for varying proposals, however, has largely fallen along party lines.
Democrats have previously failed to advance federal protections for in vitro fertilization after being blocked by Republicans. Republicans meanwhile have introduced alternative proposals that have been blocked by Democrats, like withholding Medicaid funding for states that ban IVF.
Scott introduced a resolution in March in support of states, rather than the federal government, taking legislative and regulatory action to protect IVF access.
“In vitro fertilization is legal and available in every state across our nation. We strongly support continued nationwide access to IVF, which has allowed millions of aspiring parents to start and grow their families,” Scott said in a joint statement with other Senate Republicans prior to the June 13 vote.
On X, Scott said he voted against “fear-mongering,” adding he'll be introducing legislation “that will actually promote IVF” to go along with his resolution. Scott has said his proposal will help families better plan and pay for medical expenses, like IVF, by decoupling health savings accounts from high-deductible health plans.
The Senate remains deadlocked on the issue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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