Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recently vetoed a bill designed to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a move perceived by many as an attempt to satisfy anti-abortion advocates.
In light of the backlash from an Alabama Supreme Court decision that temporarily prohibited IVF, Republicans had committed to safeguarding the procedure in their 2024 campaign platform. However, Lombardo’s decision indicates the ongoing influence of anti-abortion groups within the party.
“After vetoing IVF protections for Nevadans, Joe Lombardo continues to cater to radical anti-abortion extremists and chip away at reproductive freedoms,” stated Kate Sosland, spokesperson for the Nevada Democratic Party. “His anti-choice beliefs are clear.”
The proposed Senate Bill 217 aimed to establish a state right to reproductive treatments like IVF and intrauterine insemination, mandating insurance providers, including Medicaid, to cover these procedures.
While the Nevada Senate passed the bill with bipartisan support, it failed to receive any Republican votes in the state Assembly. Lombardo vetoed the bill on June 12.
The veto followed less than 72 hours after a coalition of anti-abortion organizations submitted a letter urging Lombardo to reject the bill. The letter was endorsed by representatives from the Family Research Council and Moms for Liberty, both identified as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Jesus Marquez, co-founder of the American Christian Caucus (ACC), also signed the letter. The ACC claims to promote “conservative Christian values in Nevada.” Lombardo maintains close ties with the ACC, having invited the group to events at the governor’s mansion in 2024 and 2025.
During the debate over Senate Bill 217, Marquez shared a video on Instagram revealing he had discussions with Lombardo regarding opposition to certain legislative bills.
“After a good couple of days here in Carson City, now we’re heading back to Las Vegas,” Marquez stated. “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.”
An earlier Instagram post by the ACC mentioned their efforts to “defend” Lombardo’s veto power.
The ACC has faced criticism for controversial social media posts, including a 2019 claim that COVID-19 was a “hoax” and a 2023 statement describing “democracy is tyranny.”
Denise Lopez of 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.”
Lombardo is campaigning for reelection in 2026 with the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed support for requiring insurance companies to cover IVF, though he has taken no action since being elected. Read more.
Lombardo’s expected Democratic challenger is Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. The Cook Political Report, known for its election analyses, currently categorizes this race as a “toss-up.”
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