Gwen Walz Clarifies IVF Status, Highlights IUI Differences

IVF vs. IUI

In a statement to CNN, Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz clarified that she did not use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive.

Walz's clarification comes amidst heightened concerns over reproductive rights following the Alabama abortion ban, which criminalizes the procedure in nearly all cases.

Key Differences

• IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and freezing embryos for potential future use.
• IUI, which the Walzs underwent, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation.
• IUI has a lower success rate than IVF and does not involve the freezing of embryos.

Anti-Abortion Focus

While IUI is not directly targeted by the Alabama ruling, it is typically less successful than IVF.

Anti-abortion leaders have focused their efforts on IVF due to its potential to create and freeze embryos, which some consider equivalent to abortion.

Statement from First Lady

"I did not use IVF to conceive either of my children," Walz stated in her statement to CNN.

"My husband and I underwent IUI treatment, which is a much less successful procedure than IVF and does not involve the freezing of embryos."