Nevada Governor Vetoes Bill on IVF Access Amidst Political Pressures
The recent veto of a bill aimed at safeguarding in vitro fertilization (IVF) access by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has stirred political discussions, with some attributing the decision to pressures from anti-abortion groups.
During their 2024 campaign, Republicans promised to safeguard IVF access, a pledge made following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that temporarily prohibited the procedure. Governor Lombardo’s recent action highlights the persistent influence of anti-abortion advocates within the party.
Kate Sosland, from the Nevada Democratic Party, criticized Lombardo’s veto, stating, “After vetoing IVF protections for Nevadans, Joe Lombardo continues to cater to radical anti-abortion extremists and chip away at reproductive freedoms. His anti-choice beliefs are clear.”
Senate Bill 217 had proposed to establish a state right to reproductive treatments, such as IVF and intrauterine insemination. It also intended to mandate insurance coverage for these procedures, including Medicaid.
The bill saw bipartisan approval in the Nevada Senate but failed to secure any Republican votes in the state Assembly. Governor Lombardo vetoed the bill on June 12.
The veto occurred shortly after a coalition of anti-abortion organizations, including the Family Research Council and Moms for Liberty, labeled as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center, sent a letter urging Lombardo to reject the bill.
Jesus Marquez, co-founder of the American Christian Caucus (ACC), was among those who endorsed the letter. The ACC, known for promoting “conservative Christian values in Nevada,” has close ties with Lombardo, having been invited to events at the governor’s mansion in 2024 and 2025.
During the legislative debate on Senate Bill 217, Marquez posted a video on Instagram, mentioning his discussions with Lombardo about opposing certain legislative bills.
Marquez expressed in the video, “After a good couple of days here in Carson City, now we’re heading back to Las Vegas. We had some great, great meetings and a couple of good events with the Governor, which was an awesome experience. Remember, the ACC is working to mobilize churches and to run or oppose bad bills, there are plenty of them.”
The ACC also made an Instagram post asserting their efforts to “defend” Lombardo’s veto power.
The ACC has been involved in controversies due to its provocative social media posts, including a 2019 claim that COVID-19 was a “hoax” and a 2023 statement that described “democracy as tyranny.”
Denise Lopez from Reproductive Freedom for All of Nevada commented, “Gov. Lombardo had the opportunity to make Nevada the first state in the country to provide Medicaid coverage for comprehensive fertility care, including IVF treatment. Instead, he chose to cater to his MAGA extremist allies, and Nevadans will pay the price.”
Governor Lombardo is seeking reelection in 2026 with support from President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed support for insurance coverage of IVF during his campaign last year, though no action has been taken on the matter since his election.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is anticipated to be Lombardo’s Democratic challenger. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the upcoming election as a “toss-up.”
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