Concern About Efforts to Restrict IVF

I am writing to express concern regarding the proposed resolution discussed at the Salt Lake County Republican Convention calling for the abolition of in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a widely used, medically established process that helps individuals intentionally build families (whether as a last line of infertility or for fertility preservation for a variety of reasons). The language of this resolution raises serious concerns about how IVF is being characterized and understood. IVF is a complex and unpredictable process. Patients do not know how many embryos they will get from a cycle, nor how many they will need to transfer to result in a successful pregnancy. Many undergo multiple cycles, at significant financial, physical, and emotional cost, simply for a chance at one child. Policies that would require the use or adoption of all embryos, or seek to abolish IVF altogether, would not simply regulate a medical practice, they would fundamentally restrict access to family-building for so many. If we are concerned about declining birth rates and supporting families, it is important that policies align with those goals. Restricting IVF would have the opposite effect, creating additional barriers for people actively trying to have children. I encourage you to consider the real-world impact of such proposals and to engage with medical professionals, patients, and families who have firsthand experience with IVF. Thank you for your time and consideration.