CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO IVF SERVICES AND SAFEGUARD WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

(Rochester, N.Y.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced new action he is taking to protect women’s reproductive health freedom. In the wake of Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling affording frozen embryos the same protections as children, Congressman Morelle is fighting to establish federal protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF) by co-sponsoring the Access to Family Building Act.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women, but sadly, we are experiencing just the opposite,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “The decision made by an Alabama Supreme Court is the latest in a despicable, never-ending assault on women’s reproductive freedom. I refuse to accept a world where lawmakers determine when and how a family can grow, which is why I’m co-sponsoring legislation to establish federal protections for IVF and safeguard the rights every woman deserves.

“If anti-abortion politicians have their way, what has happened in Alabama could be the reality for millions more people across the country,” said President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Central and Western NY, Michelle Casey. “Decisions like the Alabama Supreme Court’s deny people the freedom to decide if, when, and how to become parents. We know the ultimate goal of the politicians proposing these laws is to deny people, especially those who are Black, Latino, or LGBTQ+, their reproductive freedom. At Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, we continue to fight back against these harmful laws and appreciate that Representative Morelle is taking a strong stance on this issue.”

“Protecting access to family-building medical treatment is imperative,” said Dr. Max Klein. “It is estimated that approximately 1 in 6 individuals experience infertility in their lifetime, and our most advanced treatment of IVF accounts for up to 3% of births in the United States. As New York State is one of the few states with a fertility treatment coverage mandate, we as a community recognize the importance of access to family-building medical care. I as a medical professional stand proud to support this cause.”

“We need the bring the community together to illustrate their support,” said President of Rochester’s National Organization of Women, Kim Pandina. “Rochester National Organization for Women, a champion for reproductive rights for over 50 years, is cosponsoring two upcoming events. In Buffalo, this Saturday, March 16th, is the Health Justice is Racial Justice Conference. In Rochester, there is a Protect the Abortion Pill rally on March 24th at 2 pm in Washington Square Park.”

The Access to Family Building Act would establish a statutory right for an individual to access assisted reproductive technology services (ART), such as IVF. The bill includes protections for healthcare professionals providing these services and allows the Department of Justice to pursue civil action against any entity that violates these protections. Additionally, the legislation creates a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to ART. To learn more about the Access to Family Building Act, read the full text of the bill here
 

This builds on action Congressman Morelle has taken to protect reproductive freedom as it faces continued attacks across the nation. Congressman Morelle is a co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine the protections of Roe v Wade into federal law and safeguard a woman’s right to choose. He has also been outspoken about the need to protect access to mifepristone, a commonly-used medication to facilitate medical abortions.

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