Abortion rights are dominating the 2024 election. Could access to IVF sway it?

A new survey from theSkimm and Kindbody finds that reproductive rights, including access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), are a top concern for many women this election season. The survey of 2,000 mostly women found that 92% consider reproductive healthcare a top concern, and 75% said a candidate's stance on care would influence their vote. A whopping 83% of respondents prefer a candidate who supports unrestricted access and increased funding for IVF. Even in a deeply divided country, reproductive care is an issue that many women would cross party lines for, with 51% saying they would consider voting against their own party over the issue. Most Americans broadly support IVF access, with 70% of adults saying they support access to IVF, according to a Pew Research Center survey. However, the new report shows that women are worried about fertility treatments becoming more restricted, with 90% of respondents expressing concern. The survey also found that women are willing to take drastic measures to access IVF, including changing jobs or traveling out of state. The high cost of IVF, long wait times, and lack of access to clinics in some states are major barriers to care. The LGBTQ+ community faces even greater barriers to fertility care access, with insurance rarely covering fertility treatments and excluding the community from coverage. Overall, worries about reproductive care are weighing heavily on women, with 38% saying recent changes to healthcare policies have caused them personal anxiety.