In a rare display of bipartisan agreement, Democratic Representative Susan Wild of Pennsylvania is seeking to garner support from both sides of the aisle for federal legislation aimed at providing broad protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It's an issue that holds significant importance for countless hopeful parents across the United States.

According to statistics shared by Rep. Wild in a letter to her colleagues, nearly 2% of all babies born in the country are conceived with the assistance of Assisted Reproductive Technology. With this staggering statistic in mind, Wild has reached out to hundreds of her fellow lawmakers to urge them to co-sponsor her proposal, as reported by CBS News.

Although progress has been modest, two House Republicans from New York, Rep. Marc Molinaro and Rep. Mike Lawler, have signed on as co-sponsors, marking a breakthrough in the pursuit of bipartisan support for the legislation. Rep. Molinaro emphasizes the value and importance of making IVF accessible to anyone wishing to grow their family, expressing that his constituents have been vocal about the necessity of such protections.

However, the road to passing the bill remains challenging. With approximately 150 co-sponsors, the legislation still falls short of the 218 votes needed for passage on the House floor. Additionally, as Republicans control the floor schedule and voting decisions, the chances of an up or down vote before the end of this Congress next January are reduced.

In the Senate, the issue has already faced obstacles. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois attempted to expedite approval for her own IVF legislation, which would establish a federal statutory right to IVF treatments. However, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde Smith objected, citing concerns about potential consequences to protections for life and religious freedoms.

Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing to address women's reproductive rights, with Sen. Duckworth set to discuss her IVF legislation as a witness. Meanwhile, in the House, some Democrats have expressed reluctance to embrace GOP support for IVF protections, fearing that it may undermine their stance on abortion access in the upcoming fall elections.

While the battle for federal protections on IVF treatment continues, the growing bipartisan support is indicative of the widespread recognition that every hopeful parent deserves the opportunity to start or expand their family. As the weeks unfold, it remains to be seen whether this bipartisan coalition will mark a turning point in securing comprehensive legislation on IVF protections or if further obstacles lie ahead.

As the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling brought unexpected attention to the issue and reproductive rights remain a contentious topic, the fight for IVF protections showcases the intersection of personal journeys, policy debates, and the quest to safeguard the ability to create and nurture families.