Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today, advocating for the passage of S.4369, the IVF Protection Act. Joined by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Britt emphasized the importance of protecting nationwide access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill was blocked by Senate Democrats.

Last month, Senators Britt and Cruz introduced the IVF Protection Act and have continued to speak about its significance. A transcript of Senator Britt’s remarks is provided below:

"I was proud to join my colleague from Texas in introducing the IVF Protection Act. I’m grateful for his leadership on this important topic. As a mom, I know firsthand that there is no greater joy in this life than that of being a mother. IVF helps aspiring parents across our nation experience the miracle of life, and start and grow a family. That’s why I strongly support continued nationwide IVF access."

"IVF access is fundamentally pro-family. For the millions of Americans who face infertility every year, IVF provides the hope of a pathway to parenthood. We all have loved ones – whether they’re family members or friends – who have become parents or grandparents through IVF."

"Across America, about 2% of babies born are born because of IVF. That’s about 200 babies per day. So think about the magnitude of that number – and the faces, stories, and dreams it represents."

"In recent decades, millions of people have been born with the help of IVF. Along with my colleague, Senator Cruz, I was honored to lead Senate Republican colleagues in a joint statement emphasizing our shared support in continued nationwide access to IVF."

"IVF is legal and available in every single state across America. That includes my home state, where Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature acted quickly and overwhelmingly earlier this year to protect IVF access for our state’s families."

"Today, the Senate has an opportunity to act quickly and overwhelmingly to protect IVF access for our nation’s families. That’s what the IVF Protection Act would do. It’s straightforward, just as Senator Cruz has said."

"This bill would give aspiring parents nationwide the certainty and peace of mind that IVF will remain legal and available in every state."

"Now, I want to break this down as directly as possible: First, there is only one bill that would protect IVF access and not stray outside those parameters – that’s our IVF Protection Act."

"There is only one bill that would protect IVF access while safeguarding religious liberties – that’s our IVF Protection Act."

"And there is only one bill to protect IVF access that could get 60 votes in the Senate – and once again, that’s our IVF Protection Act."

"However," she continued "that’s not the bill that Democrats are going to be putting on the floor this week."

"Sadly," she added "they aren’t interested in a bill to actually protect IVF access and figuring out how we could get that to become law."

Britt concluded her remarks by stating: "At the end of the day, American people want secure borders; they want safe streets; they want stable prices; they want strong families...The bottom line is American people deserve better...While Democrats prioritize scaring families Republicans will continue fight [for families]."

Video footage of Senator Britt's remarks can be accessed here.