U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his belief on Thursday that the responsibility of maintaining access to in vitro fertilization lies with the states, rather than Congress. He shared his perspective on this ongoing national debate and campaign issue.
During a press conference at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia, the Louisiana Republican stated that he does not believe Congress needs to be involved in this matter. He emphasized that he believes the states are capable of handling it.
According to the speaker, Republicans are in favor of IVF as a means for individuals to start or expand their families, as long as it is conducted in an ethical manner.
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According to Johnson, he believes that the states are effectively managing the situation.
Democrats have emphasized their backing for reproductive rights and fertility treatments in response to the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that frozen embryos are considered “children” under state law. This ruling has turned IVF access into a major issue for Republicans across the country.
IVF access in the state was brought to a halt until the legislature passed and Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation this month to grant IVF clinics civil and criminal immunity. However, this new law has raised several concerns for clinics in Alabama.
Democrats are making efforts to pass legislation.
In recent weeks, Democrats in the U.S. Senate have made multiple attempts to pass two bills aimed at addressing the issue of accessing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. However, these efforts were thwarted by Republican senators who blocked the bills on both occasions.
In late February, Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, made an attempt to pass a bill that aimed to protect nationwide access to IVF. However, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican from Mississippi, blocked the bill.
In her recent attempt to expand access to IVF for military service members and veterans, Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington state encountered opposition from Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma.
Both Democratic senators attempted to pass their bill using the unanimous consent process, which permits any senator to impede the bill’s progress. So far, no roll call vote has been held in the Senate for either bill.
A group of House GOP lawmakers has put forth resolutions to convey Congress’s belief in the positive value of IVF and the need for Americans to have access to it. However, it is important to note that these resolutions are not bills and thus cannot ensure the protection of access to the procedure.
During the press conference, Johnson expressed his support for IVF and his commitment to protecting it. However, he made it clear that he does not believe nationwide legislation is the appropriate approach.
Boris Johnson emphasized the significance of protecting and preserving the remarkable thing that is being referred to. He expressed his belief that their party is fully committed to this cause.