Republican Representative Matt Rosendale faced backlash on social media after stating that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is “morally wrong” and proposing an amendment to defund assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025. The DOD had expanded its policy regarding IVF care to include eligible service members and veterans who are single or in same-sex relationships. This issue came into the spotlight after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos used in IVF are legally protected as children under state law, a ruling that was later reversed by the state legislature. Rosendale’s statement sparked criticism from Democrats, who accused Republicans of trying to ban IVF and other reproductive health care issues since the fall of Roe v. Wade.
Rosendale stated that while he sympathizes with couples struggling with infertility, he believes IVF is morally wrong and that legislation condoning its use should not be supported. He argued that IVF is responsible for the destruction of life and compared it to the scale of Planned Parenthood’s activities. The issue of IVF has become a contentious topic among federal GOP lawmakers, who are grappling with protecting IVF and other reproductive health care issues since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Polls have indicated that issues related to women’s health and abortion access could impact Republicans in the upcoming general election in November.
Democrats, including representatives Bill Pascrell Jr., Ted Lieu, J.B. Pritzker, Sara Jacobs, and former representative Adam Kinzinger, criticized Rosendale’s statement on social media, accusing Republicans of trying to ban IVF and attacking the congressman’s stance on the issue. The debate over IVF funding and support has become a key point of contention between the two parties, with Democrats emphasizing the importance of reproductive health care access and Republicans expressing moral concerns about the practice. Rosendale’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing discussions surrounding IVF and its place in federal health care policy.
The House is set to discuss three spending bills this week, including funding for the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State/Foreign Operations for fiscal year 2025. The bills were opposed by Democrats during committee votes, indicating potential challenges in passing them in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The debate over IVF funding and reproductive health care is likely to continue as lawmakers navigate the complexities of protecting both individual rights and moral beliefs in the context of federal policy. Rosendale’s proposed amendment has sparked further discussion and controversy surrounding IVF and its place in government funding and support.
