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Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has expressed openness to a bipartisan approach to making in-vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable for American families, though he stopped short of endorsing former President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for government or insurance company coverage of all IVF-related costs.
In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Graham indicated he supports the idea of a means-tested tax credit for those using IVF to encourage family growth. However, he firmly rejected the notion of mandating insurance companies to fully cover the treatment, arguing that such a mandate could lead to unmanageable costs and an endless expansion of coverage requirements.
Trump’s proposal, made just over two months before Election Day, suggests covering “all costs associated” with IVF as part of his broader platform on reproductive rights and family support. This proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s stances on abortion and reproductive health, with the former president positioning himself as supportive of fertility treatments.
Graham, who previously voted against a bill aimed at protecting access to IVF, interpreted Trump’s statements as a positive step in addressing misconceptions about the Republican Party’s stance on reproductive health. “We’ve been accused of being against birth control. We’re not. We’ve been accused of being against IVF treatments. We’re not,” Graham said.
Despite his reservations about Trump’s broader proposal, Graham remains committed to exploring a compromise. “I’ll talk to my Democratic colleagues. We might be able to find common ground here,” he stated, signaling a willingness to collaborate on a feasible solution that could receive bipartisan support.
Similarly, Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., acknowledged the importance of IVF access for American families but emphasized the need to assess the fiscal implications of Trump’s proposal. Speaking on “Meet the Press,” Cotton highlighted concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers and insurance premiums, suggesting that any legislative action would require careful consideration of financial feasibility.
As the debate over IVF funding continues, Graham’s push for a tax credit and Cotton’s cautious evaluation reflect ongoing Republican efforts to address family and reproductive health issues while balancing fiscal responsibility.