House Republicans and GOP candidates are voicing opposition to the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as children, leading to the suspension of in vitro fertilization procedures across the state.
The court’s decision has sparked concern among Republicans as they prepare for a crucial general election in November. The ruling not only risks alienating swing voters but also underscores the broader impact of overturning Roe v. Wade beyond the realm of abortion opponents.
Many GOP voters who have struggled with infertility have turned to IVF treatments, making the court’s decision particularly significant for them. The restriction imposed by the ruling could potentially alienate independent and centrist Republican voters.
Initially, GOP legislators remained relatively quiet in the aftermath of the ruling. However, Republican lawmakers and candidates are now seeking to distance themselves from it. David McCormick, a Republican primary candidate for the Pennsylvania Senate, criticized the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of IVF as a source of hope for millions of Americans seeking to start families.
“I oppose any effort to restrict it,” McCormick stated in a post on X.
Similarly, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) acknowledged the court’s interpretation of the law but called for revisions to Alabama’s legislation, asserting that the Republican Party should not oppose family formation. “I believe the Alabama law needs to change because the Republican Party cannot be the party against family formation,” Gaetz stated in an interview with CNN NewsNight.
