ASRM Applauds Introduction of the Right to Build Families Act

Dec 15, 2022
Author: ASRM
Published in: ASRM Bulletin

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is thrilled by the introduction of the Right to Build Families Act of 2022 by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL), Sen. Patty Murray (WA), and Rep. Susan Wild (PA).

Supported by ASRM, this bill will:

• Prohibit limiting any individual from accessing ART or retaining their reproductive genetic materials, including gametes;
• Protect healthcare providers who provide ART or related counseling and information;
• Allow the Department of Justice to pursue civil action against states that violate the legislation; and
• Create a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to ART.

ASRM has been hearing from our members about the very real anxiety that patients have reported since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision. Although IVF is still legal in all 50 states,  ASRM is vigilant and committed to protecting patients’ rights and access to family building in perpetuity. ASRM is concerned that in the rush of some states to pass ‘personhood’ bills in January, states may also inadvertently or purposefully ban IVF. The decision to start a family is not a political matter. In order for Americans to exercise their fundamental right to build their own families, they must have access to assisted reproductive technologies. Regardless of partisan politics at the state level, the right to become a parent must be protected. To date, more than one million infants have been born through the availability of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Every American seeking to exercise their fundamental right to family building should have unhindered access to assisted reproductive technologies, regardless of zip code, employment status, a decision to become a solo parent, and who they love. That’s why the time is now to enact the Right to Build Families Act. The Right to Build Families Act will provide an important federal backstop to protect access for patients seeking to build their families through assisted reproduction technologies including IVF.

“The need for access to reproductive healthcare continues to increase and should be a fundamental right for all Americans. Individuals of color as well as people who identify as LGBTQ+ face increased barriers to care. The Right to Build Families Act of 2022, would ensure couples and individuals can, regardless of who and where they are, receive the reproductive medicine care they need. Congress must pass this important bill to protect this basic human right. We celebrate the introduction of this legislation and commend Senators Tammy Duckworth and Patty Murray, and Congresswoman Susan Wild for their leadership.”

– Michael Thomas, MD, ASRM President.

You can act now by contacting your members of congress and asking them to support this very important bill and protect the future of IVF and ART.

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