Senate Republicans block bill to ensure IVF access for second time

Measure falls short of 60-vote majority as Democrats highlight election issue after Alabama court decision

• US politics - live updates

Senate Republicans voted on Tuesday afternoon to block a bill that would have ensured access to in vitro fertilization nationwide.

Every Republican, except Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the measure. Though a majority of 51 voted in favor, the bill needed 60 votes to pass. Democrats had brought the measure back to the floor after Republicans previously blocked it from advancing in June.