Official U.S. Senate records and announcements

Senate Republicans Block IVF Bill 51-44 Despite Trump Support

Sep 17, 2024, 06:29 PM

The U.S. Senate voted on the Right to IVF Act for the second time this year, aiming to establish federal protections and expand insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. The bill, which had previously failed in June, was blocked again by Senate Republicans with a vote of 51-44, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Notably, Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted in favor of the bill. The legislation, championed by Democrats, is part of an election-year strategy to highlight differences in reproductive rights between the parties. Former President Donald Trump had expressed support for the bill, adding a layer of complexity to the political dynamics. Senate Democrats, including leaders like Chuck Schumer and Senator Duckworth, emphasized the importance of the vote for families struggling with infertility. Despite the setback, Democrats vowed to continue fighting for federal protections for IVF. The Republicans' alternative, the IVF Protection Act, was also blocked, and the vote was seen as further evidence of Project 2025's influence.