Democrats' bill to create federal protections for in vitro fertilization services is getting its first Republican co-sponsor, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Republicans have scrambled to distance themselves from an Alabama Supreme Court ruling last month that froze IVF services in the state.

Driving the news: Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.), who represents a district President Biden won in 2020, is co-sponsoring the Access to Family Building Act, according to a statement first shared with Axios.

• The bill, introduced by Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), would create a statutory right to access IVF and other fertility treatments.
• Molinaro said in a statement he was "troubled" by the Alabama ruling, adding "I'm a parent who has personal experience with IVF and support all women and families who choose IVF to bring life into this world."
• "Protecting it is just common sense," he added.

Between the lines: Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who introduced the bill in the Senate, tried to pass it unanimously last month but was blocked by Senate Republicans.

• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) was briefly named a co-sponsor of the bill last month but withdrew her name and said she was listed as a supporter without her consent.

What she's saying: Wild told Axios in a statement that she hopes Molinaro is "the first of many Republicans joining me in the fight to protect IVF and other reproductive treatments."

• "I'm glad this bill is finally receiving the attention from across the aisle that it deserves."

Zoom out: Republicans swiftly responded to the Alabama ruling by affirming their support for IVF services.

• Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a non-binding resolution calling to "reject proposals that would put access to fertility care ... in jeopardy."
• Mace's measure quickly earned co-sponsorship from a half dozen mostly vulnerable House Republicans.
• The Alabama legislature also passed legislation aimed at protecting IVF.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a response from Rep. Luna.