Sen. Tom Cotton and other Republicans are open to supporting a plan proposed by former President Donald Trump that would have either the government or insurance companies pay for in-vitro fertilization services. Cotton said he would need to evaluate the fiscal impact and affordability before fully supporting the plan, but believes in principle that supporting couples trying to use IVF is not controversial. Trump recently stated that his administration would mandate insurance companies to pay for fertility services like IVF if elected.
Despite voting against the Right to IVF Act earlier this year, Cotton and Sen. Lindsey Graham have expressed support for fertility treatments. Graham suggested a means-tested tax credit for those using fertility treatments. While Trump’s proposal for insurance mandates received mixed reactions, Graham attributed it to Trump showing support for IVF treatments.
IVF has become a political issue, with Democrats accusing Republicans of threatening access to fertility and reproductive care. Earlier this year, fertility clinics in Alabama paused IVF care after a Supreme Court ruling, leading to concerns about further impact on reproductive care due to Republican-led abortion bans.
Overall, the issue of IVF funding and insurance coverage is divided along party lines, with Republicans like Cotton and Graham open to support, while Democrats advocate for continued access to reproductive care.
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