On a recent appearance on the popular podcast “Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh,” former President Donald Trump praised U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) for earlier this year educating him on the importance of in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Trump spoke out against a February Alabama Supreme Court ruling that an embryo created through IVF is a child protected by Alabama's wrongful death act and the Alabama Constitution.
The Court’s decision made international headlines and swiftly became a talking point for Democratic operatives, who used the case to criticize the Republican Party platform.
The Alabama legislature swiftly passed a bill granting immunity for IVF clinics in cases of wrongful death. However, the decision still forced a reactionary discussion of IVF for Republican politicos, especially in light of the Democratic rhetoric leading up to November’s presidential election.
In response to the decision, Britt likewise filed legislation with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing the IVF Protection Act, which would remove Medicaid funding from states that ban access to in-vitro fertilization treatment.
On the podcast, Trump claimed Britt was quick to call him to relay information from friends and constituents, who were in disarray after the Alabama Supreme Court’s action.
“When it first came up, and it started in Alabama, where a judge ruled that you couldn’t do IVF, and all clinics all over Alabama were going to be shut down,” Trump said. “And I wasn’t an expert on IVF, but I have common sense. You know, we’re the party of common sense. And some women called me, and, actually, Katie Britt called me, the senator from Alabama, who’s really a young, good politician; smart, great husband who was a football player. Great family. She called me up, she said, ‘Sir. Women have come to me and almost attacked me — and they’re my best friends — that the judge shut down IVF.’”
Trump said Britt went on to explain to him the positives of IVF treatment, which led to him responding so swiftly after the Court’s decision.
“After about five minutes, I’m a quick study; I said, ‘That’s a great thing,’” he continued. “And I came out within 45 minutes of the decision, I came out strongly in favor, on behalf of the Republican Party. And I have calls from senators saying, ‘Thank you, Sir. You saved my political career.’”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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