Alabama lawmakers race to protect providers of IVF
Alabama’s legislature, comprising both chambers, has passed bills safeguarding doctors from prosecution in cases where they harm or destroy embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Before becoming law, a unified bill must be voted on by both the House and Senate.
This move follows a ruling by the state’s highest court, which granted frozen embryos the same rights as children and held individuals accountable for their destruction. Consequently, many clinics suspended services, facing legal complications.
On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill granting legal immunity to “any individual or entity” involved in IVF-related services for embryo damage or death.
Shortly after, the Senate passed a similar measure.
A consolidated bill may undergo voting in both chambers by next Wednesday, awaiting Gov. Kay Ivey’s approval.
Less than two weeks ago, Alabama’s Supreme Court’s embryo-rights ruling triggered opposition from medical professionals, IVF parents, and reproductive advocacy groups. The decision also divided devout Christians, with some praising it as a defense of life, while others feared fertility patients might face restrictions.
In response, lawmakers are working to ensure continued access to fertility treatments and sparking political discussions on women’s reproductive rights and the state’s definition of the beginning of life.
Despite concerns that the legislation could undermine Alabama’s pro-life stance, the Republican-led House overwhelmingly passed its bill with a vote of 94-6 following extensive debate.
Mark Gidley, a Republican representative, said he was worried the bill is a “knee-jerk reaction” to the court ruling, and that it is important the law recognize that frozen embryos are human life.
Another, Ernie Yarbough, asked if it is “possible to do IVF in a pro-life way that treats embryos as children”.
Others, like Democrat representative Mary Moore, disagreed with the court’s ruling and said it is important to protect IVF treatments as they help many families who otherwise could not have children.
Similar debates broke out in the state’s Senate. One senator, Republican Larry Stutts, described the issue as a “moral quandary”, but noted that discarded embryos through IVF are a “small percentage” compared to the ones that are used or kept.
Lawmakers also heard from women undergoing fertility treatments, one of whom testified before a House committee that she had spent nearly $400,000 (£317,000) on IVF and that she hoped that the money was not wasted.
Terri Collins, a Republican representative who initially brought the House bill forward, said she aimed to “at least keep the clinics open and the families moving forward” while lawmakers work on a longer-term solution.
“This solution is for opening the clinics right away, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” she said.
