DNC in Chicago: US Sen. Duckworth says IVF needs defending

Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth called for in-vitro fertilization protections during a brief speech at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night.

“Trump’s anti-woman crusade has put other Americans’ right to have their own families at risk,” she said. “Cause if they win, Republicans will not stop at banning abortion. They will come for IVF next. They’ll prosecute doctors. They’ll shame and spy on women.”

The crowd erupted into cheers as Duckworth told Trump to “stay out of our doctor’s offices … and out of the Oval Office, too.”

Duckworth didn’t stop at lambasting Trump, however.

“How dare JD Vance criticize childless women on TV news, then vote against legislation that would actually help Americans to start families,” she said.

Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, made her comments as abortion has taken center stage at the convention. IVF also has become the latest front in the political battle over reproductive rights, especially after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled embryos are children under the law, threatening access to IVF in the state.

The issue is also key for Duckworth, who had her two children with the assistance of IVF. She has introduced legislation to establish federal protections for IVF and other forms of assisted reproductive technology, but the measure was blocked by Senate Republicans.

“Every American deserves the right to be called ‘Mommy’ or ‘Daddy’ without being treated like a criminal,” she said.

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A combat veteran who lost both legs in the Iraq War, Duckworth was the first disabled woman elected to Congress and became the first sitting senator to give birth.

She was first elected to Congress in 2012 when she defeated a Republican incumbent, then-U.S. Rep Joe Walsh. Four years later she won her seat in the Senate, defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, where she has served since.

Considered a rising star within the Democratic Party, Duckworth was once shortlisted by President Joe Biden for vice president.

Calling out her time in the military, Duckworth called Trump a “five-time draft-dodging coward” and said he was trying to take away rights and freedoms.

“Let me say to every would-be parent: I see you,” she said. “I’m with you.”