Scott Supports Federal Legislation to Protect Access to IVF
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, co-sponsored H.R. 7056, the Access to Family Building Act, which establishes a federal right to access in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies.
“Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we have seen relentless attacks on reproductive freedom across the country,” said Congressman Scott. “With the recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, it is clear we must establish federal protections for IVF and other family planning services. Notably, Virginia’s Third Congressional District is the home of what was originally called the Jones Institute which welcomed the first baby born from IVF in the United States over 40 years ago. I will remain steadfast in my defense of reproductive freedom and women’s health care against these continued, extreme right-wing attacks.”
The Access to Family Building Act would:
- Establish a statutory right for an individual to access, without prohibition or unreasonable limitation or interference, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services, such as IVF, and for a health care provider to provide ART services;
- Establish an individual’s statutory right regarding the use or disposition of their reproductive genetic materials, including gametes;
- Allow the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue civil action against any state, government official, individual, or entity that violates protections in the legislation; and
- Create a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to ART.
Full bill text is available HERE.
Rep. Scott’s record of standing up for reproductive health care in the 118th Congress:
- Rep. Scott co-sponsored H.R. 12, the Women's Health Protection Act, which wouldcodify the federal right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade
- Rep. Scott co-sponsored H.R. 561, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act of 2023, to ensure every American can access the reproductive care they need, regardless of health insurance or income.
- Rep. Scott co-sponsored the H.R. 782, the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, to protect people who travel across state lines to access abortion care and other reproductive services.
# # #