WASHINGTON, D.C. (CVILLE RIGH NOW) – Senate Democrats faced a significant setback on Wednesday as their attempt to swiftly pass legislation guaranteeing Americans’ access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies failed. This push was in response to an Alabama court’s recent decision designating frozen embryos as children.

The state Supreme Court ruling on Feb. 16, categorizing frozen embryos as children, led at least three Alabama providers to halt the IVF procedure, causing concern among couples struggling with conception challenges.

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran, sought an immediate Senate vote on her “Access to Family Building Act” legislation. This move was prompted by the court ruling, which raised fears of potential prosecution for those involved in IVF, especially when embryos are found to be nonviable and are disposed of or used for research.

However, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith promptly blocked the vote, asserting that the proposed bill was a “vast overreach” filled with “poison pills.” While some Republican officeholders expressed discomfort with the Alabama court ruling, the party did not align with Democrats on this issue linked to the national debate over women’s right to abortion.

Duckworth countered Hyde-Smith’s objections, emphasizing that her bill aimed to guarantee access to IVF treatments “without fear of being prosecuted.” The legislation also sought to shield IVF providers and health insurance companies.

In her defense of the bill, Duckworth shared her personal struggle with infertility following military service, highlighting the urgency of securing access to IVF treatments without the looming threat of legal repercussions. The clash between Democrats and Republicans underscores the deep ideological divides surrounding this pivotal issue in the broader national conversation on reproductive rights.