Massachusetts Governor Calls Trump’s IVF Proposal ‘Offensive’

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (D) expressed skepticism regarding former President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to have the government or insurance companies cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) costs. Healey emphasized that voters cannot take Trump seriously when it comes to reproductive issues.

During an appearance on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” Healey dismissed Trump’s comments as insincere. “You can’t take this seriously. I mean, this isn’t just a Republican — and by the way, I work well with Republicans — this is Donald Trump, who will say anything and everything depending on where the wind is blowing,” she remarked. “He caught some heat the other day, and so he comes out with a statement that he’s a believer in IVF. It’s just patently false, it’s offensive.”

Trump announced his IVF initiative on Thursday, claiming that his administration would ensure access to the treatment and cover costs through government or insurance. “Under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment,” he stated in an exclusive NBC News interview. He added that this would apply to “all Americans who get it; all Americans who need it.”

Looking ahead, Trump was clear on his plan: “So, we’re going to be paying for that treatment, or we’re going to be mandating that the insurance companies pay.”

While Republican leaders have not openly opposed IVF access, Democrats highlight that Trump’s administration played a role in enabling Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling in February. This ruling declared frozen embryos could be treated as children, thus making their disposal potentially criminal. As a result, many IVF services were temporarily halted in Alabama.

“First of all, don’t believe anything that Donald Trump says,” Healey reiterated. She pointed to her experience as attorney general, where she sued him over a hundred times for what she calls his lies. “And as governor, I’ve seen the very real difference between a Trump administration and one that will support health, women’s health, and reproductive freedom.” She underscored that the upcoming election presents a clear choice regarding reproductive rights.

Moreover, Healey praised Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for their proactive stance on reproductive issues. “They’re out there day after day on offense,” she noted. Their efforts encompass engaging with not only Democrats but also Republicans and independents, aiming to resonate with everyday Americans concerned about various issues, including reproductive rights.

IVF has emerged as a pressing issue for voters in recent times, particularly following the Alabama Supreme Court’s significant ruling. Many Democrats have linked Trump to the dismantling of key reproductive rights, specifically citing his role in appointing three justices who contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. This landmark decision created a substantial shift in reproductive rights across the United States.

As the 2024 election draws nearer, the Trump-Vance campaign, along with the broader Republican party, seems to be avoiding discussions about abortion and reproductive rights. The unpopularity of their anti-abortion stance highlighted by the fallout from the Roe v. Wade decision complicates their political strategy.

In the backdrop of these developments, numerous Americans have found themselves evaluating their choices. Political figures like Healey seek to provide clarity on these essential issues, championing reproductive rights against the backdrop of opposing views.

As these conversations continue to unfold, the implications for reproductive rights and the impact on forthcoming elections remain a significant focus for voters and political leaders alike.

Source: The Hill