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At least three in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers in Alabama have halted treatments since the state Supreme Court on Friday said frozen embryos in test tubes should be considered children, casting doubt on future access to the procedure in the state.
The ruling by the court, whose elected judges are all Republican, left doctors and patients wondering how to legally store, transport, and use embryos in Alabama. Health advocates said by enshrining the idea of “fetal personhood,” the ruling could inspire further restrictions on women’s reproductive freedom around the country.
In Alabama, would-be parents now have fewer IVF treatment options than they did a week ago, and one state lawmaker is preparing to file legislation aimed at keeping the procedure legal.
President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said in a statement on Thursday that the ruling had put access to fertility treatment “at risk for families who are desperately trying to get pregnant,” and that it showed “outrageous and unacceptable” disregard for personal choice.
