Several top Republican governors have expressed their support for in vitro fertilization treatment, following the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. This decision has prompted some hospitals in the state to temporarily halt their IVF procedures. However, these governors are standing by their belief in the importance of this medical procedure.
During the POLITICO Governors Summit on Thursday, Governors Brian Kemp of Georgia, Bill Lee of Tennessee, and Chris Sununu of New Hampshire expressed their strong support for the treatment that has sparked a new debate on reproductive rights leading up to the upcoming November elections.
The Alabama decision has created a dilemma for the Republican Party, as it may alienate the millions of individuals who are against abortion but rely on and endorse in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. According to the National Infertility Association, approximately one in six Americans facing infertility issues resort to IVF as a solution.
Kemp, the conservative governor who signed legislation that effectively bans most abortions in Georgia after six weeks of pregnancy, expressed his support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a whole.
During the summit, Kemp expressed his belief that there are many individuals in the country who would not have children if it were not for certain circumstances.
He admitted that he hadn’t had the opportunity to review the Alabama rulings and stated that he wouldn’t even attempt to feign comprehension of the issue at hand.
According to Kemp, it is essential for individuals with differing opinions on topics like IVF procedures to engage in meaningful discussions and find common ground.
“We need to foster discussions in this country where we can work together to find solutions instead of simply pointing fingers at the other side,” he emphasized.
Governor Lee of Tennessee, where abortion is only permitted in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant individual, expressed his general support for in vitro fertilization (IVF). He acknowledged that he is not familiar with the specifics of the case and ruling at hand.
The Alabama case centered around the destruction of frozen embryos and the question of whether it should be deemed a criminal act. Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma expressed his belief that it should not be considered a crime. However, he emphasized the importance of allowing individual states to establish their own regulations regarding reproductive rights and abortion accessibility.
According to Stitt, the system in Oklahoma is designed in a way that allows elected officials to establish a unique set of regulations. As it stands, abortion is prohibited in almost all situations in Oklahoma, with the exception being when it is deemed necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant individual.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility for IVF services.
In 2019, Sununu took a significant step by signing a law that broadened the scope of insurance coverage for fertility treatment. It is worth noting that Sununu’s stance on abortion restrictions differs from many members of his party, as he supports such restrictions only in the later stages of pregnancy. This position sets him apart ideologically from a significant portion of his party’s national base.
The governors’ comments come in response to statements made by GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who expressed her belief that embryos should be considered babies. However, she later clarified her remarks, stating that she did not necessarily agree with the recent Alabama ruling. Despite this, Haley reiterated her belief that an embryo should be seen as an unborn baby.
Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have strongly criticized the ruling, considering it as another Republican assault on reproductive rights following the dismantling of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.
Governor Pritzker expressed his determination to protect women’s rights, emphasizing that those who oppose contraception and IVF will ultimately face defeat when the voters have their say.