Right to Build Families Act of 2022 Legislation Introduced in Congress

RESOLVE is proud to announce the introduction of historic federal legislation. On December 15, 2022 Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-07), introduced legislation to protect access to IVF for anyone who needs assisted reproductive technology (ART) to build their family.

The “Right to Build Families Act of 2022” will:

• Prohibit states from limiting any individual’s right to access ART;
• Prohibit states from regulating reproductive genetic materials, including gametes;
• Protect healthcare providers who provide ART or related counseling;
• Allow the Department of Justice to pursue civil action against states that violate the legislation; and
• Allow the U.S. Attorney General, individuals, and healthcare providers to pursue civil action regarding violation of the legislation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Senators Duckworth and Murray, and Congresswoman Wild, for recognizing the threats faced by the family building community since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. We know firsthand how anti-abortion state legislation can negatively impact access to medical treatments such as IVF, which could restrict care for millions of people who are struggling to build their family. The Right to Build Families Act of 2022 would guarantee that access to family building care such as IVF would be legal and available in every state.” Barbara Collura, President & CEO, RESOLVE.

RESOLVE, along with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), worked closely with the bill champions to draft this historic legislation. Facing a growing threat from state legislatures across the country, RESOLVE and ASRM recognized the importance of introducing and passing a federal law to protect people’s right to build their family. Our community faces too many barriers already in the pursuit of family; the Right to Build Families Act of 2022 will give everyone the peace of mind that a state legislature cannot restrict access to needed healthcare.

We urge our community to support this legislation by contacting your Members of Congress and joining our Fight for Families campaign. Together we’ll amplify the voices of those who struggle to build a family and defend access to IVF.