Alabama House passes bill to safeguard IVF post personhood decision
In a swift response to a recent state Supreme Court ruling affecting IVF clinics, the Alabama House swiftly moves to safeguard in vitro fertilization procedures. The bill, introduced and advanced within a day, aims to address the pause in IVF treatments, providing relief to families in uncertainty.
An Alabama House bill, HB 237, introduced just a day ago, aims to protect in vitro fertilization treatments. The swift response comes after a state Supreme Court ruling caused IVF clinics to halt certain treatments, leaving families in uncertainty.
Sponsored by Republican Rep. Terri Collins, the bill passed the chamber with a vote of 94-6, with 3 abstentions. The bill seeks to grant civil and criminal immunity to individuals offering goods and services related to IVF, except for intentional acts unrelated to IVF services.
A companion bill, SB 159, is currently under discussion in the state Senate on Thursday afternoon. Supporters of the legislation aim to have it ready for Republican Gov. Kay Ivey's approval by next week.
The introduction of these bills follows a recent state Supreme Court decision declaring frozen embryos as children, potentially holding those who destroy them accountable for wrongful death. This ruling has raised concerns among patients, healthcare providers, and reproductive rights advocates in Alabama and beyond, as they fear increased liability costs for IVF clinics and challenges for couples struggling with fertility.
The exterior of the Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., is shown Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, a ruling critics said could have sweeping implications for fertility treatments. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
The Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., was featured in a photograph taken on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. A significant ruling was made by the court on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, declaring that frozen embryos could be legally considered as children in the state of Alabama. This decision, stemming from two wrongful death cases involving three couples whose frozen embryos were destroyed in a fertility clinic accident, has raised concerns among critics about its potential impact on fertility treatments.
Kim Chandler/AP
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In Alabama legislature, bills advocating for the protection of IVF treatment are advancing, highlighting the crucial role of IVF in aiding couples facing fertility challenges. IVF, a widely used treatment for infertility, has played a significant role in helping approximately 2% of the US population to be conceived.
During the treatment, a woman's egg is extracted from her body and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory before being implanted, according to Dr. Eve Feinberg, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. The resulting embryos may be frozen for genetic testing or preservation for future use.
In reaction to the ruling, lawmakers in Alabama have introduced five bills related to in vitro fertilization (IVF) in both the state Senate and House.
In order for a bill to become law, it must first be approved by both the House and Senate, followed by the governor's signature. In Alabama, all three branches of government - the Senate, House, and governorship - are under Republican control.
Despite the successful passage of a bill, there remains uncertainty surrounding the response of IVF clinics and the possibility of resuming treatments.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Lauren Mascarenhas, Christina Maxouris and Madeline Holcombe contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the complex and contentious issue of IVF treatments. The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling declaring frozen embryos as children has raised concerns among patients, healthcare providers, and reproductive rights advocates. The swift response of lawmakers to introduce bills protecting IVF treatments demonstrates the importance of addressing the concerns raised by the ruling. The passage of these bills aims to provide legal protection for individuals and entities involved in IVF services, ensuring that couples facing fertility challenges have access to these essential treatments.
The article also brings attention to the larger debate surrounding reproductive rights and the definition of life. The ruling in Alabama reflects a conservative approach that may have implications for reproductive healthcare in other states. It is crucial to engage in thoughtful discussions and consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, to ensure that access to reproductive healthcare remains protected and that the rights of individuals are respected.
