Trump Claims Republicans Are “The Party for IVF” and Credits Senator Katie Britt at Georgia Town Hall
At a women-only Fox News town hall in Georgia, Donald Trump praised Alabama Senator Katie Britt for making him “totally in favor” of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), while also referring to himself as the “father of IVF.” Speaking to Fox News host Harris Faulkner, Trump made the remarks after being asked about his stance on fertility treatments by a pro-life attendee.
Trump began his response by complimenting Britt, saying, “So, I got a call from Katie Britt, a young, just a fantastically attractive person from Alabama. She’s a senator.” He went on to explain that Britt had urgently contacted him after an Alabama court ruling raised concerns about the legality of IVF clinics in the state.
Trump recounted the conversation with Britt, stating, “She called me up like, ‘Emergency, emergency,’ because an Alabama judge had ruled that the IVF clinics were illegal and they have to be closed down.” However, the ruling in question was actually a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court allowing couples whose embryos were destroyed to sue for wrongful death. It did not ban IVF treatments, though clinics had temporarily halted services due to potential legal risks.
According to Trump, he was unfamiliar with the details of IVF until Britt explained it to him during the phone call. “I didn’t even know embryos were involved in fertility treatments until Britt explained IVF very quickly on the phone,” Trump said. He added, “Within about two minutes, I understood it. I said, ‘No, no. We’re totally in favor of IVF.’”
Trump went on to describe how he urged the Alabama Legislature to find a solution, claiming that his involvement led to swift action. “I came out with a statement within an hour,” Trump said. “A really powerful statement with some experts. And the Alabama Legislature, a day later, essentially approved it.”
Throughout the town hall, Trump positioned himself as a strong supporter of IVF, asserting that Republicans are more in favor of the procedure than Democrats. “We really are the party for IVF,” he declared. “We want fertilization, and it’s all the way. The Democrats tried to attack us on it, and we’re out there on IVF even more than them.”
However, not everyone was convinced by Trump’s self-proclaimed title of “father of IVF.” Vice President Kamala Harris took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disbelief, saying, “What is he talking about?” She pointed out that Trump’s abortion bans have already jeopardized access to IVF in various states. “His own platform could end IVF altogether,” Harris argued, adding that Trump should take responsibility for the harm caused to couples who have had their fertility treatments disrupted.
Harris further highlighted the disappointment many hopeful families are facing due to legal uncertainties around reproductive rights, noting, “[They] have been so disappointed and harmed by the fact that IVF treatments have now been put at risk,” as reported by Sky News.
Trump’s comments come at a time when reproductive rights remain a critical issue in American politics, and both parties are vying to win over voters concerned about access to fertility treatments and related healthcare.