Democratic Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania started her message to colleagues by highlighting a key fact, aiming to resonate with her Republican counterparts as well. Wild is pushing for a rare bipartisan effort in this Congress, focusing on federal legislation that would provide extensive protections for in vitro fertilization treatment.
According to a letter obtained by CBS News, Wild is calling on fellow lawmakers to join her in co-sponsoring the proposal.
"Every year in the United States, nearly 2% of all babies born are conceived with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology," Wild's letter states. A spokeswoman for Wild mentioned that the congresswoman has contacted "hundreds of colleagues" across party lines.
While Wild has made some progress, it remains relatively modest. Two House Republicans, both representing the Hudson Valley-area of New York, have agreed to become co-sponsors. The future of bipartisan support for the legislation will become clearer in the coming weeks.
"I'm glad that this bill is finally receiving the attention from across the aisle that it deserves," Wild said in a statement to CBS News. "It reflects the outpouring of support I've seen from people in my community across the political spectrum, who are united in defending every hopeful parent's ability to start or grow their family."
The first Republican to sign onto the bill was Rep. Marc Molinaro, a first-term GOP House member from the Catskills in New York. He said he expects and hopes other Republicans will join him in supporting the bill.
"I heard it from my constituents," Molinaro told CBS News. "I know personally the value and importance of making sure IVF is available to anyone who wishes to grow their family. I think it's a very special thing."
"I admire women who talk about their journey using IVF, because it comes from hard work," he added. "It comes with difficult challenges, and you need to have a real strong support structure."
Rep. Mike Lawler, who is also serving his first term as a Republican representing New York in the House, became the second GOP co-sponsor of the bill on Friday. Lawler's spokesman confirmed the congressman's support for the bill to CBS News.
Government protections — and potential restrictions — of IVF treatment surfaced unexpectedly as a potentially volatile election year political issue after a ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court that briefly halted some IVF services in the state.
In February, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois pushed for fast-track approval of her IVF legislation in the Senate. Her bill aims to establish a federal right to IVF treatments, superseding any state restrictions. However, Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith of Mississippi objected to the proposal, citing concerns about its impact on protecting life and religious freedoms.
Meanwhile, Rep. Wild introduced a similar bill in the House with around 150 co-sponsors. Despite this support, the bill falls short of the 218 votes needed for passage on the House floor.
With Republicans controlling the House agenda and legislative process, the chances of Wild's bill receiving a vote before the end of the current Congress are slim. On the other hand, Democrats hold sway over the Senate's agenda and committee hearings, but the requirement for a super majority in the Senate could hinder the progress of Duckworth's IVF legislation.
Notably, the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing on women's reproductive rights, with Duckworth scheduled as a witness to discuss her IVF bill. Duckworth, a mother of two who has personal experience with IVF, is expected to advocate for her legislation during the hearing.
"Tomorrow's hearing will focus on the ongoing challenges to reproductive rights, along with potential solutions such as Sen. Duckworth's Access to Family Building Act," stated Sen. Dick Durbin, the Illinois Democrat leading the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Within the House, some Democrats are hesitant to accept Republican support for legislation protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) rights, concerned that it could weaken their stance on abortion access leading up to the upcoming elections. Criticism arose from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee towards Republicans in New York who backed the House bill aiming to enshrine federal IVF protections. A DCCC representative conveyed to CBS News, "Molinaro's extreme agenda threatening reproductive rights and the safety of New York women cannot be overlooked."
