[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Right to IVF Act

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, yesterday was a sad day in the Senate, as 
Republicans for the second time this year blocked legislation to 
protect families' access to IVF. By voting against IVF, Republicans 
confirmed many Americans' worst fear: Project 2025 is alive and well 
when it comes to reproductive rights.
  Senate Republicans have spent months tying themselves into knots, 
claiming that of course they are in favor of protecting IVF, but when 
it mattered most, when it actually came time to vote, Republicans 
showed their true colors and voted no.
  What made yesterday's vote even worse was that was the second time 
they blocked IVF protections even though it is increasingly clear many 
Americans are worried about access. Both times, without hesitation, 
Senate Republicans caved to the extremists on their right flank.
  Look, blocking IVF could have horrible consequences. The hard right 
has been transparent that now that they have overturned Roe, they are 
moving on to other targets, like IVF. Just look at what happened 
earlier this year in Alabama.
  Senate Republicans who like to pretend that IVF is not under threat 
should have a word with the likes of the Heritage Foundation and Susan 
B. Anthony Pro-Life America. These organizations are some of the most 
influential conservative groups, and they are clear about their 
hostility about any Federal protections for IVF. SBA called our bill 
``irredeemable'' a few months ago and called IVF a ``free-for-all.'' 
These groups use language very similar to that of their opposition to 
abortion. So no matter how much Republicans claim IVF is not in danger, 
extremists on their side say otherwise, and Republicans seem to listen.
  By voting against protections for IVF, Senate Republicans confirmed 
yet again that 2025 is increasingly steering the GOP.