ASRM applauds introduction of Access to Family Building Act of 2024
Bi-cameral legislation introduced to protect access to fertility treatments.
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC – The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is thrilled by the introduction of the Access to Family Building Act by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL), U.S. Senator and Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Patty Murray (WA), and Representative Susan Wild (PA).
Supported by ASRM, this bill will:
- Establish a statutory right for an individual to access, without prohibition or unreasonable limitation or interference, assisted reproductive technology services, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and for a healthcare 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 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.
With the demise of the Constitutional privacy protections of Roe v. Wade, states have been busy restricting or banning access to important reproductive medical services. We have seen some state legislators go so far as to introduce legislation that would impact the ability of patients to access IVF. The Access to Family Building Act seeks to codify the right of patients to access and obtain the medical services that may be required for them to have children. Every year in the United States, nearly 2% of all babies born are conceived with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology. The Access to Family Building Act will proactively provide federal protection to patient access to these vital services.
Along with Duckworth and Murray, the legislation was co-sponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
“The need for access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right. The Access to Family Building Act would ensure couples and individuals can receive the reproductive medicine care they need regardless of who they love or where they live. Congress must pass this important bill to protect this basic human right. We celebrate the introduction of this legislation and commend Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congresswoman Susan Wild for their leadership.” – Paula Amato MD, ASRM President.
“As a reproductive physician in Illinois, I am extremely proud to be represented by a Senator who, thanks to her family -building journey, is deeply committed to protecting access to care. Senator Duckworth is a true champion for all Americans who might require medical assistance to build their families. I also thank Congresswoman Susan Wild for her leadership,” said Robert Brannigan, MD, ASRM Vice President and Chief of Male Reproductive Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
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