Abbott Shows Support for IVF, Calls Texas a “Pro-life State”

After the Alabama Supreme Court’s controversial decision that frozen embryos are considered human beings and individuals who dispose of them can be held accountable for wrongful death, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas expressed his support for in vitro fertilization in an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, without explicitly calling for legislation to protect access to IVF in Texas.

The ruling in Alabama has caused fertility clinics in the state to cease IVF services, but Abbott affirmed his desire to ensure that certain individuals will still have the option to undergo IVF.

“We aim to make the process of having children easier for people, not more difficult,” Abbott stated, echoing a sentiment previously articulated by former President Donald Trump on the topic.

Abbott underscored the significance of the IVF procedure in bringing more babies into the world, stating, “The goal is to facilitate a pathway for parents who may otherwise struggle to conceive a child to have access to the IVF process and become parents, ultimately giving life to babies.”

In a statement of his own, Trump urged the Alabama Legislature to act swiftly to find a resolution that would maintain the availability of IVF in Alabama.

Following the Alabama ruling, some families have sought IVF services in other states like Texas, where IVF is still accessible, as reported by CNN.

When asked whether he planned to advocate for the passage of laws in Texas to safeguard the legality of IVF, Abbott did not make a definitive commitment.

The governor suggested that Texas would address the issue in due course, stating, “Texas is a pro-life state, and we are committed to maintaining our pro-life stance. However, Texans agree with President Trump’s sentiment that we must promote life, increase the number of lives brought into the world, and empower parents to expand their families.”