House Republicans afraid of losing tight races urge Johnson to move on pro-IVF legislation: report

15 September 2024

Republicans pushing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to bring pro-in vitro fertilization (IVF) legislation to the House floor have so far failed in their efforts, according to a Sunday CNN report.

Per the report, "The resistance from Johnson to take up legislation on the issue up until this point, according to conversations with some of the lawmakers involved, stems from concerns that Republicans could fail to pass it in their narrowly held Republican majority, and the fear of putting members in a worse spot politically."

Some GOP lawmakers running in tight races know that an anti-IVF stance could ruin their chances at reelection.

However, CNN reports, "Republicans have so far failed to channel their support into a legislative response. Senate Republicans voted down a bill in June that would have guaranteed access to IVF nationwide, arguing that the legislation was unnecessary, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is bringing the bill up for a vote again ahead of the election to keep the pressure on Senate Republicans."

One GOP lawmaker told the news outlet, "Multiple members have had conversations with leadership about IVF. Multiple members have filed bills about IVF. It’s something, particularly if you’re in a purple district or a swing district, that would be really helpful, but they haven’t done anything on it yet. I don’t know why."

But CNN notes that the speaker could also be "trying to balance the needs of his vulnerable members who support the fertility treatments with small-government deficit hawks who resist mandates and conservatives who are against IVF for religious reasons."

Another Republican who "characterized Johnson as 'placating' the situation by being intentionally vague about whether he would commit to bringing up IVF legislation," said, "You’re dealing with some people who have older views and tougher districts, and you know, they’re not going to move."

CNN's full report is available here.

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