Senate Republicans Halt IVF Bill, Try to Show Support for Issue

Senate Republicans voted to block progress on legislation to codify the right to obtain fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.

The measure (S. 4445) failed to advance on a 48-47 procedural vote Thursday. The bill would create a right to IVF and make those treatments cheaper for people seeking them by expanding insurance coverage for them.

Democrats contend the move is necessary to protect against states potentially banning IVF, and because hurdles, namely cost, already exist for many Americans seeking fertility treatments.

Republicans, however, say the bill goes too far and was written as an election-year messaging ...