We’ve discussed in vitro fertilization (IVF) here before. It’s a popular – albeit very costly – form of assisted reproduction. It’s also recently become a divisive political issue that has those who need to rely on it to have their own children concerned about whether it will continue to remain legal.
Earlier this year, the Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that embryos were humans. That ruling created a lot of uncertainty in that state around the potential legal ramifications for fertility treatment providers and prospective parents.
The Right to IVF Act has failed to pass twice
The Alabama situation spurred efforts by members of Congress to try to pass a law (the Right to IVF Act) that would keep IVF legal throughout the country. Twice now, that legislation has failed to get the necessary votes to make it out of the Senate. Even some Republican senators who say they support IVF have voted against the bill, claiming that it’s a political ploy.
The Right to IVF Act would:
- Guarantee the right to IVF access throughout the country
- Help veterans get access to fertility treatments
- Make fertility treatments more affordable
While members of Congress battle over federal IVF legislation, Minnesotans can remain confident that their right to use assistive reproductive technology is safe – at least for now.
The right to IVF and other fertility treatments in Minnesota
IVF and other fertility treatments remain legal in our state. There’s even a bill in the Minnesota legislature that would require insurers to cover part of the cost. In fact, as he runs for Vice President, Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen have talked about their own use of fertility treatments, which made it possible for them to have children.
It can never be predicted what would occur under a future president and Congress who would have the power to make IVF illegal if they chose to. However, it’s important amid all the political wrangling about the subject of IVF to know your rights.