Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has called on Congress to pass the Access to Family Building Act, a federal legislation aimed at ensuring access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) nationwide. In a joint effort, the attorneys general are advocating for the protection of reproductive rights and the expansion of access to essential services like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

In response to recent challenges faced by reproductive health services, Nessel highlighted the importance of the Access to Family Building Act. She expressed concern over the escalating threats to Americans’ bodily autonomy and emphasized the need for federal protections to safeguard ART services. Nessel stated, “The Access to Family Building Act will help protect reproductive rights and aid families in accessing assisted reproductive technology, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

The coalition's initiative comes in the wake of a controversial decision by the Alabama Supreme Court, which classified frozen embryos used in IVF as "extrauterine children," raising concerns about the future of ART services in the state. The decision has sparked nationwide apprehension regarding the rights of individuals to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions.

The letter addressed to Congressional leaders by AG Nessel and the coalition underscores the importance of proactive steps to protect ART services and ensure access for all individuals. ART plays a vital role in family building, with nearly two percent of all babies born in the U.S. each year conceived using ART. However, financial barriers and restrictive insurance policies often hinder access to these services, particularly for LGBTQ+ couples.

The Access to Family Building Act seeks to make ART services more accessible by guaranteeing patients the right to ART without unreasonable limitations or interference. By encouraging health insurance providers to cover these services and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their reproductive genetic materials, the legislation aims to address existing barriers and promote inclusivity in family planning.

The coalition of attorneys general, including Nessel, has urged Congress to prioritize the passage of the Access to Family Building Act to safeguard essential reproductive health services and uphold individuals' rights to make their own family planning decisions. The collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to ART services for families across the country.