Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Sunday that he and most other Republicans would be “open” to supporting a plan proposed by former President Donald Trump that would have either the government or insurance companies pay for in vitro fertilization services.
“It’s something that I’m open to and most Republicans will be open to,” Cotton said in an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” adding that he first has to “assess the fiscal impact” and “whether the taxpayer can afford it, whether it’s how will it affect the awards”.
“In principle, supporting couples trying to use IVF or other fertility treatments — I don’t think that’s controversial at all,” Cotton said.
His statements come a few days later Trump told NBC News If elected, his administration would “make insurance pay” for fertility services like IVF.
Pressed to clarify his plan in that interview, Trump said one option would be to force insurance companies to pay for fertility services “under the mandate, yes.”
On Sunday, moderator Kristen Welker pressed Cotton on her support for Trump’s plan, pointing out that she voted against it earlier this year. Right to IVF Act, would mandate IVF coverage in federal health plans, the Affordable Care Act, and Medicaid plans.
Cotton condemned the bill, calling it “[Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer’s ridiculous texting bill,” adding that Schumer has spent the past few months “putting together ridiculous bills that he thinks will help liberal incumbent senators face their elections.”
IVF has become an increasingly political issue, with Democrats accusing Republicans of threatening fertility and access to reproductive care.
Earlier this year, fertility clinics in Alabama stopped offering IVF care after a state Supreme Court ruling. ruled that embryos are human beingsSending fears among reproductive rights groups that abortion bans in Republican-controlled states could affect other reproductive care in those states.