Democrats, Rick Scott clash over IVF in hot election year
Rick Scott is angling for a promotion.

Rick Scott RJC via campaign
In June, Scott defended himself and said his own daughter used IVF to start her family.

Democrats are attacking U.S. Sen. Rick Scott for helping block a vote on a bill protecting vitro fertilization (IVF), as the Senate again failed to pass legislation to establish a nationwide right to the procedure.

It’s the second time the issue has come up in front of the Senate this year. Republicans blocked it in June as well.

Democrats have seized on the issue in an election year with reproductive rights on the ballot in several states, including in Florida. Scott is also battling for re-election against former Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell.

“Rick Scott has again voted against protecting access to IVF — a miracle treatment that has allowed millions of Americans to start families,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement Tuesday. “He continues to lie to Floridians about his phony support for IVF but Scott’s toxic anti-choice record is clear. He’ll stop at nothing to rip away personal decisions from women and their families, and Floridians will hold him accountable in November.”

Meanwhile, Scott and fellow Republicans U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Ted Cruz sent out a joint statement criticizing Democrats for pushing the IVF vote over what they said was a moot point.

“Senate Democrats have embraced a Summer of Scare Tactics — a partisan campaign of false fearmongering intended to mislead and confuse the American people. In vitro fertilization is legal and available in every state across our nation. We strongly support continued nationwide access to IVF, which has allowed millions of aspiring parents to start and grow their families,” according to a statement provided by Scott’s campaign Tuesday.

Scott’s Office accused Democrats of blocking his Increasing Value for Families (IVF) with HSAs Act.

In June, Scott defended himself and said his own daughter used IVF to start her family.

“Sometimes families need help. Millions of babies have come into this world through IVF in vitro fertilization,” Scott said in an ad. “In fact, our youngest daughter is receiving IVF treatments right now, hoping to expand her family. She and I both agree: IVF must be protected for our family, for every family.”

Democrats are also bringing up abortion and women’s health care rights in the presidential race as Kamala Harris’ campaign released a new ad featuring sound bites about Roe v. Wade from the recent debate.

Meanwhile, the debate over abortion rights rages on in the Sunshine State, with Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot asking voters whether they want to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution.

Gabrielle Russon

Gabrielle Russon is an award-winning journalist based in Orlando. She covered the business of theme parks for the Orlando Sentinel. Her previous newspaper stops include the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Toledo Blade, Kalamazoo Gazette and Elkhart Truth as well as an internship covering the nation’s capital for the Chicago Tribune. For fun, she runs marathons. She gets her training from chasing a toddler around. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter @GabrielleRusson .


6 comments

  • PeterH

    September 17, 2024 at 6:38 pm

    Some Project 2025 proponents and authors have called IVF a form of eugenics and that IVF needs further study and regulation…..as if IVF isn’t already regulated. The mere possibility of government intrusion into IVF, birth control, pregnancy termination is a cause for alarm.

    When Trump loses in November, Project 2025 doesn’t simply get shelved indefinitely. The Heritage Foundation document is a blueprint for a Republican wish list to stifle American rights to choice.

  • Michael K

    September 17, 2024 at 9:47 pm

    Well, so much for Republicans supporting IVF and women’s health issues. Women in Florida and across the nation are taking note.

    • Jennifer White

      October 1, 2024 at 1:24 pm

      Let’s hope to hell they stand up for themselves and ditch. The GOP shit.

  • A Day without MAGA

    September 18, 2024 at 7:01 am

    He supports Medicare fraud Google Rick Scott Medicare Fraud

  • Linwood Wright

    September 18, 2024 at 9:55 am

    Republicans are such pieces of excrement.

  • The Cat In The MAGA Hat

    September 18, 2024 at 10:27 am

    Only thing Rick Scott worked hard at is in his life is stealing from the public Google Rick Scott Medicare Fraud

Comments are closed.


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