WASHINGTON—Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) spoke to The Floridian and opined on legislation that is floating around to make insurance companies cover IVF (in-vitro fertilization) services. The Florida congresswoman was adamant that "discrimination" against infertile couples needs to be stopped.
"It's very simple. First, infertility is a disease. It is a documented disease, and like every other disease that is covered by health insurance, infertility as a disease should also be covered by health insurance, and we discriminate against couples who want to be able to start their families," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "But their infirmity, their disease, prevents them from doing so."
Furthermore, Rep. Wasserman Schultz provided personal examples relating to this issue.
"My twins were IVF. My first children I could not have conceived without the benefit of in-vitro fertilization, and it was extremely expensive, we were just starting out, and IVF bankrupts some families and you shouldn't have to become financially destitute or be prevented from having a family because of cost and health insurance companies refusing to cover it," said Wasserman Schultz.
The Florida congresswoman also threw a jab at Republicans in the House on family issues.
Wasserman Schultz also spoke about latest news regarding Representative Anna Paulina Luna's (R-FL) and Brittany Pettersen's (D-CO) move to allow new mothers to proxy vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other Republicans shot down the move on Tuesday.
Wasserman Schultz shared that despite the majority of Republicans declaring proxy voting as "unconstitutional," it would be best for elected officials to represent their districts when dealing with a legitimate reason.
"It would be making sure that your vote could be represented and your constituents, and that you can balance your work and your family needs and provide the best possible service to vote. Republicans are so stuck in the Dark Ages that I guess they'd rather see only men serve in Congress and women can go to hell," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
Wasserman Schultz represents Florida's 25th Congressional District.
