Sen. Tom Cotton indicated his openness to supporting a plan proposed by former President Donald Trump that would involve either the government or insurance companies paying for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services. Cotton mentioned the need to assess the fiscal impact and affordability for taxpayers before making a decision. Trump had previously suggested mandating insurance companies to cover fertility services like IVF if he were to be elected. However, Cotton had voted against the Right to IVF Act earlier this year, dismissing it as a “ridiculous messaging bill” by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Despite Cotton’s rejection of the Right to IVF Act, Sen. Lindsey Graham supported the idea of a means-tested tax credit for Americans using fertility treatments during an interview on ABC’s “This Week.” Graham explained that a tax credit for fertility treatments, similar to child tax credits, could encourage people to have children. Graham also noted that Trump’s proposal for insurance mandates on IVF services did not have his support, as it could have no end.
IVF has emerged as a political topic, with Democrats accusing Republicans of jeopardizing access to fertility and reproductive care. Earlier this year, fertility clinics in Alabama halted IVF services following a Supreme Court ruling that classified embryos as people. This ruling raised concerns that abortion bans enforced in states led by Republicans could have repercussions on other reproductive care services. Overall, the debate surrounding IVF funding and coverage continues to be a contentious issue within the political landscape.
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