**⚖️ The Threat to IVF After Roe v. Wade**
The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision didn’t just endanger abortion access—it put assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF at risk. Here’s why:
- Embryo personhood laws: Some states (like Louisiana) define embryos as “human beings,” which could outlaw standard IVF practices (discarding non-viable embryos).
- State bans: Alabama and South Carolina exempt IVF from abortion bans—for now. But without federal protection, future laws could restrict it.
By the Numbers:
- IVF accounts for ~84,000 U.S. births annually (CDC).
- 1 in 4 women struggles with infertility (CDC).
- 18M+ LGBTQIA+ Americans rely on ART to build families (Gallup).
🏛️ The Right to Build Families Act: What It Does
Introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Patty Murray (D-WA), this bill would:
- Guarantee access to IVF and other ART nationwide.
- Shield healthcare providers from prosecution for offering fertility treatments.
- Let the DOJ sue states that restrict ART.
- Protect patients’ rights to store eggs, sperm, or embryos.
Why It’s Personal:
Sen. Duckworth, who had her two daughters via IVF, says:
“Without IVF, my family wouldn’t exist. Politicians shouldn’t decide who gets to be a parent.”
🚨 Who’s at Risk if IVF Isn’t Protected?
- Infertility patients: 1 in 4 couples need medical help to conceive.
- LGBTQ+ families: Same-sex couples and trans parents often rely on ART.
- Cancer survivors: Fertility preservation (egg/sperm freezing) is critical post-chemo.
- Military families: Duckworth notes service members face higher infertility rates due to deployment delays.
Real-World Impact:
If IVF is banned or restricted:
✔ Families could lose stored embryos (even those mid-treatment).
✔ Costs would skyrocket due to limited access.
✔ Doctors might flee restrictive states, creating “ART deserts.”
**✊ How to Support the Bill**
- Contact your representatives (find them here).
- Share your story: ART families’ voices matter (RESOLVE collects testimonials).
- Donate to orgs fighting for ART access:
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Center for Reproductive Rights
