Alabama Governor Ivey Signs Law Protecting IVF Rights
Alabama GOP Gov. Kay Ivey signed a measure into law on Wednesday aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization after a state Supreme Court ruling considered frozen embryos as children, leading to some providers halting the procedure.
The state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed the proposal protecting IVF providers from criminal charges and civil lawsuits after brief debates on Feb. 29.
In a statement Wednesday night, Ivey acknowledged IVF was a complex issue and expressed confidence that the legislation would reassure IVF clinics, allowing them to resume services immediately.
Following a Feb. 16 decision by the Alabama Supreme Court, Republicans nationwide are working to address uncertainties in storing, transporting, and using embryos, with some IVF patients considering relocating their frozen embryos out of state.
Democrats have criticized the court ruling as an attack on reproductive rights.
IVF involves creating embryos in a laboratory dish using eggs and sperm for couples facing conception challenges.
The Alabama high court ruling came in response to lawsuits against a fertility clinic and hospital for mishandling frozen embryos, leading to their destruction. The decision was based on the state’s 2018 Sanctity of Unborn Life Amendment in support of unborn children’s rights.
The bill signed by Ivey may not mean a return to normal for IVF providers, as sponsor Republican state Senator Tim Melson explained during a state Senate debate. Some providers are considering perpetually storing unused embryos due to the court ruling.
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