In a move to put Republicans on record, Senate Democrats pushed for a vote on an in vitro fertilization (IVF) protection bill, which failed to advance for the second time on Tuesday. The legislation, which required 60 votes to move forward, fell short with a vote of 51-44. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska broke party lines and voted in favor of the bill, along with all Democrats.

However, the bill was met with dismissal by Republicans, who regarded it as a political stunt aimed at garnering support for vulnerable Democrats. During a press conference, Republican Whip John Thune emphasized that Republicans stand behind IVF, stating, "Republicans support IVF. Full stop. No question about that. This is simply an attempt by Democrats to try to create a political issue where there isn't one."

Collins and Murkowski had previously voted in favor of a similar IVF bill in June, introduced by Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth, but it also failed to advance. As reproductive rights continue to be a contentious topic leading up to the upcoming election, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer dared Republicans to block the bill once again. Schumer referred to Donald Trump's "Project 2025," which is tied to the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, and their opposition to the IVF protection bill.

The vote came after President Trump expressed support for IVF during his campaign, promising to explore ways to help those seeking IVF treatment. Trump reiterated his stance during a town hall in August, stating that the government or insurance companies would cover the costs of IVF. He also claimed to be a leader on IVF during the September 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

In response, Schumer announced his intention to bring the bill to the Senate floor for another vote, challenging Republicans to support it. The Right to IVF Act, a combination of several Democratic bills, aims to establish nationwide access to IVF, expand fertility treatments for veterans, and increase affordability for fertility care.

Efforts to advance the bill gained momentum after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified embryos as children, causing a temporary disruption in IVF access within the state. Despite Republicans claiming support for IVF and asserting that it is legal in all states, they criticized the bill prior to the June vote, labeling it as a political maneuver and arguing against government overreach.

Before the recent vote, Republicans made a last-ditch effort to pass a separate IVF legislation that would have prohibited states from receiving Medicare funding if they banned IVF access. However, this bill was blocked from advancing by Democratic Senator Patty Murray, who argued that it failed to adequately protect IVF from the threats posed by certain lawmakers and anti-abortion extremists.

With the IVF protection bill failing for the second time, the debate surrounding reproductive rights and IVF access continues to be a point of contention leading up to the election. The divided opinions on the issue highlight the ongoing struggle to strike a balance between individual choice and legislative oversight in matters of fertility care.