Reproductive rights are once again center stage in public discourse. While questions persist regarding access to the abortion pill mifepristone and in vitro fertilization (IVF), recent developments indicate that little has changed.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the current landscape:
Mifepristone access upheld
In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mifepristone — the pill used in 60% of U.S. abortions — can remain accessible.
In the court’s opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that doctors and advocacy groups lacked standing to sue because they were not directly impacted by mifepristone’s availability for others.
The opinion acknowledged the plaintiff’s concerns but maintained that citizens and doctors cannot sue merely due to others’ engagement in certain activities.
IVF challenges and responses
While access to abortion pills remains intact, IVF is facing ongoing debate. Earlier this year, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are legally considered children. The ruling temporarily halted IVF treatments while the state clarified reproductive laws to protect patients and doctors.
Democrats at both state and federal levels are advocating for laws to guarantee protections for IVF patients. However, these measures have encountered obstacles, sparking intense political messaging ahead of the upcoming election.
Differing perspectives
Senate Democrats argue that, given the overturning of Roe v. Wade two years ago, more must be done to enshrine IVF rights preemptively.
On the other hand, Republicans contend there are no restrictions on IVF, rendering new legislation unnecessary.
Notably, Southern Baptists, the country’s largest Protestant denomination, recently voted that women undergoing IVF should produce embryos only in line with their intended family size, contrary to common IVF practice.
Public opinion
According to the latest Gallup poll, 61% of Americans support access to mifepristone.
In the same poll, 82% of respondents believe there is nothing morally wrong with IVF. Across party lines, acceptance rates remain high with 89% of Democrats, 84% of independents and 72% of Republicans favoring IVF.
Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump advocate for continued accessibility to IVF procedures.
About 1 in every 8 Americans said abortion is the most important issue for them ahead of the presidential election.
