Nevadans React to Gov. Lombardo Vetoing SB217, IVF Protection Bill

NEVADA— Yesterday, Governor Lombardo vetoed Senate Bill 217 (SB217), which sought to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) and expand and equalize access to fertility treatments. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, the bill would have made it mandatory that most Nevada health insurers and Medicaid plans cover infertility diagnosis and treatment on the same terms as other benefits.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“First, we want to thank Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro for her unwavering commitment to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom in Nevada, including access to essential treatments like IVF. SB217 had the power to transform lives across our state. It would have finally opened the door for families struggling with infertility to get the medical support they need through their health insurance, support that is far too expensive and out of reach for many. Despite broad public support and the pressing need, Governor Lombardo turned his back on these families with his veto.

Let’s be clear: This is part of a growing trend. Across the country, Republican politicians have been coming for IVF access, from the Alabama Supreme Court decision that upended care to GOP-led legislatures across the country quietly chipping away at reproductive rights under the guise of ‘family values.’ Lombardo had the chance to buck that trend, and he chose not to. You don’t get to claim you’re ‘pro-family’ or preach about growing Nevada’s future while pulling the rug out from people trying to have children. Nevadans deserve a leader who will fight for our freedom to decide if, when, and how to grow our families, not another rubber stamp for the MAGA agenda.”

Statement of Lauren Babb, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte:

“Gov. Lombardo’s veto of this bipartisan measure to protect IVF shows where his true allegiances lie. He will not protect reproductive health care, even as the threat to that care grows daily. Nevadans have voted time and time again to protect reproductive rights. Nevadans deserve better.”

Denise Lopez, Reproductive Freedom for All Director of Nevada Campaigns, issued the following statement:

“Governor 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. We are grateful to Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro for her work to ensure families across our state have the health care coverage they deserve, and we are ready to continue in the fight to protect our reproductive care.”

Sue Burtch, Executive Director of the Nevada Chapter of the National Organization for Women, issued the following statement:

“This is a devastating loss to Nevadans, many of whom have already faced heartbreaking losses from infertility. We’re denying healthcare to those who were looking for hope. Hope to finally have a family. Hope to dream of having a family. Hope to achieve their dreams without the crushing financial burden. SB217 would have brought that hope to those struggling with infertility.

Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro for always putting reproductive healthcare at the forefront. Nevada NOW remains committed to being in the fight with you.”

Kaylyn Kardavani, Executive Director of New Day Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Governor Lombardo’s veto of SB217 is a cruel and backward attack on reproductive freedom and family-building in Nevada. At a time when IVF access is under threat across the country, this bill would have provided vital protections and made fertility care more accessible and affordable for thousands of Nevadans. IVF is healthcare, and by vetoing SB217, Governor Lombardo sent a clear message: he doesn’t believe every Nevadan deserves the chance to start or grow a family or have access to quality healthcare. Nevadans deserve better.”

Taylor Patterson, Executive Director of Native Voters Alliance Nevada, issued the following statement:

“There is no pain like the longing for a child and the uncertainty of when that dream will ever come true. And there is no betrayal like a governor standing between you and the medical care that could give you hope. Governor Lombardo didn’t just veto a bill — he vetoed the dreams of families across Nevada. He vetoed the chance for parents to build the family they’ve been fighting so hard for, through years of doctor visits, heartbreak, sacrifice, and a hope that refuses to diminish. IVF is not a political talking point. It is a lifeline. It is the promise that even after loss and struggle, tomorrow may still bring joy. In a world already full of cruelty, why would any leader choose to add more? Nevadans deserve better — and our fight for them is not over.”

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.