Jake Tapper of CNN challenged Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) over his recent remarks regarding his family’s use of fertility treatments. On the campaign trail, Walz had credited in vitro fertilization (IVF) for his children, but Tapper revealed that this was inaccurate. Instead, Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz clarified that the couple used intrauterine insemination (IUI) rather than IVF.
Tapper addressed the discrepancy on CNN’s “The Lead,” saying, “That’s not accurate, right? I mean, it wasn’t IVF. It was a different procedure, and his wife, Gwen Walz, the first lady of Minnesota’s, taking care to tell CNN that they actually used the procedure called intrauterine insemination.”
Jake Tapper reveals Gov. Walz’s error, clarifying that his family used IUI, not IVF
The panel noted that IUI is a less invasive step compared to IVF. Alyssa Farah Griffin explained, “IUI is part of the suite of fertility treatments as a step below IVF. It’s direct insemination versus creating embryos.” Griffin added that IUI is less controversial compared to IVF.
CNN commentator Bakari Sellers also pointed out that while Walz’s statement was technically incorrect, it was a minor issue compared to broader concerns. Vance criticized Walz on social media, calling him out for misleading statements.
In response, the Harris campaign defended Walz, criticizing Vance and Trump for their attacks. “Infertility is a deeply personal journey, and the Governor and Mrs. Walz shared their story to highlight the risks to reproductive rights posed by MAGA attacks,” said Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign.
