Mar 7, 2024,03:02am EST
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) signed a bill into law late on Wednesday to shield providers of in vitro fertilization (IVF) from potential civil and criminal liabilities. This move follows a recent state Supreme Court ruling declaring frozen embryos as unborn children, which led major providers to suspend IVF procedures in the state.
Key Facts:
- Governor Ivey expressed her satisfaction in signing the legislation, highlighting its importance in facilitating IVF for couples in Alabama hoping to expand their families.
- The new law offers legal protection to IVF providers against lawsuits and criminal charges related to any harm or loss of embryos during the procedure.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a prominent provider, welcomed the legislative action, expressing readiness to resume IVF treatments while advocating for further patient and provider protections.
- Alabama Fertility also welcomed the new law, signaling its readiness to recommence IVF care.
Contrary Views:
- Infirmary Health Systems and the Center for Reproductive Medicine, central to the Supreme Court case, expressed reservations about immediately resuming IVF services. They believe the law doesn’t adequately address stored fertilized eggs and presents challenges for physicians and clinics aiding families in conceiving.
Key Background:
- The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling, declaring frozen embryos as children, stemmed from a lawsuit against medical centers over the accidental destruction of embryos. This ruling led major IVF providers in the state to halt treatments, triggering nationwide political attention and support for IVF, including from former President Donald Trump.