Senate Democrats expected to force vote on IVF access

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa.) and two other House Republicans are introducing legislation to give individuals or couples undergoing in vitro fertilization a $30,000 tax credit.

Miller-Meeks says the cost for the treatment has increased in recent years making it unaffordable for some couples battling infertility.

Miller-Meeks, a former doctor, says she introduced the legislation earlier after former president Donald Trump announced over the summer, he wants to make IVF treatment free for families. He says he wants to mandate that insurance companies cover the cost.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are not buying Trump’s push.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says he will hold a second vote next week to test Senate Republicans support for Trump’s plan.

Earlier this summer all but two Republicans voted against Democrat’s bill to protect IVF treatment in each state and expand insurance coverage for the treatment.

“I hope we get a different outcome when we vote for a second time, the American people will be watching,” said Schumer.

Senate Republicans have introduced their own IVF bill. The plan would discourage states from outlawing IVF treatment.

Access to IVF treatment came under scrutiny earlier this year after an Alabama judge ruled embryos are people. 

After several fertility treatment centers paused treatments the Alabama state legislature passed a law to protect doctors from abortion-based lawsuits.