The wife of US vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has set the record straight about their fertility journey, clarifying that they did not undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) as he had previously suggested on the campaign trail.
In an interview with Glamour, Gwen Walz revealed that they actually went through intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments to conceive their daughter, Hope. Despite the personal nature of their fertility struggles, Mr. Walz has been vocal about their experience while warning about potential restrictions on reproductive rights for women by Republicans.
During a recent rally with presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Mr. Walz shared their story, emphasizing the importance of healthcare choices, including IVF. However, his comments have sparked controversy, with Republicans accusing him of lying about their use of IVF.
Ms. Walz explained that they decided to speak out about their journey after witnessing attacks on fertility and reproductive rights, particularly in Alabama where frozen embryos were legally considered children, leading to the closure of fertility clinics across the state.
The couple’s decision to open up about their experience has been met with criticism and accusations of dishonesty from conservatives. Despite the backlash, Mr. Walz continues to share their story at campaign rallies, connecting with voters on a personal level.
A campaign spokeswoman defended Mr. Walz, stating that he was using common shorthand for fertility treatments and emphasizing the emotional toll of their journey. IUI, the treatment they underwent, is a less invasive and controversial alternative to IVF, which has faced political scrutiny over the destruction of unused embryos.
As the controversy surrounding their fertility journey continues to unfold, the Walz family remains steadfast in their commitment to advocating for reproductive rights and sharing their personal story with the public.
