Republicans have blocked for a second time this year legislation to establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization, arguing that the vote is an election-year stunt after Democrats forced a vote on the issue.

Democrats brought up the measure again to highlight Republican opposition to abortion rights and make the case to voters that the G.O.P. stance threatens access to reproductive health care.

Republicans accused Democrats of filing the bill just to make the GOP look bad. The "Right to IVF" lost in a 51-44 vote, with all Republicans voting against advancing the bill. This is the second time an IVF vote has failed due to Republican lawmakers.