Governor Joe Lombardo Vetoes Bill to Protect IVF Treatments in Nevada
In a significant setback for infertility treatment rights, Governor Joe Lombardo has vetoed Senate Bill 217, which sought to establish a statutory right to in vitro fertilization (IVF) under Nevada law. Sponsored by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, the bill aimed to enhance protections for fertility treatment providers and expand coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
The legislation garnered bipartisan support, passing the Assembly on a party-line vote and the Senate 15-5, with Republican Senators Lori Rogich and John Steinbeck aligning with Democrats in favor. Cannizzaro introduced the bill in response to a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that raised concerns about the legal status of infertility treatments.
Following the veto, Cannizzaro criticized Lombardo for yielding to anti-abortion activists who oppose IVF. "By vetoing this bipartisan bill, Lombardo has turned his back on ordinary Nevada families who need help overcoming infertility," she stated, emphasizing that even former President Donald Trump has supported efforts to expand access to IVF.
In his veto message, Lombardo expressed his support for making IVF more accessible but deemed the legislation unfeasible due to its mandate requiring IVF coverage. He highlighted concerns about the state budget, particularly regarding Medicaid resources, calling the funding “fiscally impossible.” Lombardo encouraged collaboration among agencies and stakeholders to explore alternative, sustainable methods for enhancing IVF access.
The rejection of Senate Bill 217 raises important questions about the future availability of infertility treatments in Nevada, leaving families navigating the challenges of infertility without the legislative support they had hoped for.
For further information, contact Jessica Hill at jehill@reviewjournal.com or follow @jess_hillyeah on X.
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