New York Republican becomes first GOP member to support bill protecting IVF

Rep. Mark Molinaro of New York announced Wednesday that he is co-sponsoring a bill to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, making him the first Republican lawmaker to support the treatment.

in statement, Molinaro said he will co-sponsor the Family Formation Access Act with Representative Susan Wild (D-Pennsylvania). The bill had companion bills introduced in the Senate by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

The bill follows a controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court last month that frozen embryos are children under state law, forcing the suspension of in vitro fertilization treatments. Fertility clinics across the state resumed treatment last week after the state passed a law protecting patients and clinics from liability based on the ruling.

“I was troubled by the Alabama ruling restricting IVF and said at the time that I opposed it. I am a parent who supports women and families,” Molinaro said in a statement. “It’s common sense to follow that.”

The bill aims to establish a legal right to access IVF, overriding state efforts to restrict the service. It would also mean that “hopeful parents” and doctors would no longer be penalized for their treatment.

The Alabama Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision has concerned medical experts and reproductive health advocates.

Republicans have made it clear they defend Americans’ rights to IVF treatment, but many agree with the ruling that embryos are children with equal rights. has largely avoided details about what to do with unimplanted viable embryos.

Molinaro would be the first Republican to sponsor a bill to protect fertility rights. His statement said New York Republican lawmakers have blocked the passage of regulations regarding mifepristone and contraception in the past.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), who was previously reported to support Wilde’s bill, said it was added to the bill “without confirmation” and needed amendments to fully support it. He said it would be “necessary.” NBC News reported.