Republican Ripped for Calling IVF 'Morally Wrong'

Republican Representative Matt Rosendale was bashed over social media on Tuesday after saying that the practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is "morally wrong."

The Montana lawmaker delivered the remark after announcing a proposed amendment to the Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025 that would defund "assisted reproductive technology that includes any infertility treatments or technologies including IVF to ensure human life is protected."

In March, the DOD expanded its policy regarding IVF care to include eligible service members or veterans who are single or in same-sex relationships. The department has adopted several new policies regarding reproductive care for service members and their dependents since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, including permission for leave and reimbursements for those who have to travel out of state to receive fertility treatment if the state in which they're stationed has banned such care.

"While I feel for couples that are unable to have children, the practice of IVF is morally wrong, and I refuse to support any legislation that condones its use," Rosendale said in a statement shared by his office.

"My amendment will strip funding for this practice, which is responsible for the destruction of life to the tune of hundreds of thousands of children a year," the congressman continued. "If you are opposed to abortion, you should be opposed to the practice of IVF, which destroys twice as much life as Planned Parenthood yearly."

This issue of IVF was hurtled into the spotlight after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February that frozen embryos used during IVF procedures are legally protected as children under state law. That ruling was later reversed by the state legislature.

Federal GOP lawmakers have struggled to establish their stance on protecting IVF and other reproductive health care issues nationwide since the fall of Roe. Polling has shown that issues surrounding women's health and abortion access could hurt Republicans during the general election in November.

Democrats attacked Rosendale's statement regarding IVF over social media on Tuesday, including New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., who posted to X, formerly Twitter, "Wow republicans are again trying to ban in vitro fertilization IVF. This is the republican party."

"The. Two. Parties. Are. Not. The. Same," California Congressman and Democrat Ted Lieu posted.

"Anyone who says IVF isn't under attack is lying," Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said. "IVF isn't 'morally wrong', MAGA extremists like Matt Rosendale are."

California Congresswoman Sara Jacobs also reacted to Rosendale's statement over X, writing, "Tell this to our service members whose fertility was compromised because they spent their prime reproductive years in hazardous conditions."

Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger also rebuked Rosendale, writing that the lawmaker's comments were "so incredibly anti family."

"When they say they want to ban IVF, believe them. They really do," Kinzinger added.

Newsweek reached out to Rosendale's office via email for further comment on Tuesday.

The House will discuss three spending bills this week pertaining to funding for the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and State, Foreign Operations in fiscal year 2025. The Hill reports that all three bills were opposed by Democrats during their respective committee votes, meaning that even if the measures are passed by a floor vote in the House, they will likely face pushback in the Democratic-controlled Senate.