Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed a bill Wednesday that protects in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers from the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that frozen embryos are considered children.
The legislation, titled SB159, would protect IVF providers from lawsuits and criminal charges over the “death or damage to embryos” during the IVF process. The bill passed both the state House and Senate just before heading to Ivey’s desk Wednesday night.
“The overwhelming support for SB159 from the Alabama General Assembly proves what we have always said: Alabama is committed to fostering a culture of life, and that includes IVF. That’s for sure,” Ivey said. stated in a statement Immediately after signing the bill. “We are pleased to sign this important short-term measure to help Alabama couples hoping and praying to become parents grow their families through in vitro fertilization.”
Ivey described IVF as a “complex issue” and said he was confident the bill would allow IVF clinics to “immediately resume services.”
Alabama lawmakers are under pressure to ensure protections for IVF donors after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled last month that frozen embryos and fertilized eggs are considered children under state law. I was facing a rising tide. According to the ruling, unborn children are subject to the law relating to the wrongful death of minors, which will now apply to “all unborn children, regardless of their location.”
Three major IVF clinics in Alabama suspended services last month following the ruling, the Associated Press reported.
Although the ruling was specific to Alabama, it drew national attention to IVF and how it could spur a new fight for reproductive rights across the country. Although the ruling did not ban IVF, fertility experts warned that new legal standards could make IVF more expensive and less accessible. There is.
Democrats slammed the ruling, but Republicans, who oppose abortion but support in vitro fertilization, were forced to explain their complicated position to voters.
“However, in the coming days, weeks and months, we are likely to hear a lot of political rhetoric surrounding IVF, especially as we are in the middle of a national election,” Ivey said. “Let me be clear: Alabama supports growing families through IVF.”
Passage of the bill Tuesday night followed debate in both chambers on Tuesday. This resulted in the deletion Removed the term “goods” from the expression “goods or services” in the Act. NBC News reported This means that companies that provide products for the IVF process may still face civil lawsuits, but no criminal prosecution if a court determines that the product damages or destroys embryos. means.
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