On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement on recently introduced legislation that would classify embryos as “potential life” but not “human life” until they are implanted in a uterus.
The bill, introduced by state Sen. Tim Melson, was drafted in response to an Alabama Supreme Court ruling last week that labeled frozen embryos as babies. The decision by the state's highest court has sparked great concern among Alabama in vitro fertilization providers who now say they fear legal consequences if they continue to treat the public.
Specifically, the new legislation states that “any human egg fertilized in a laboratory is considered potential life but is not for any purpose considered human life…unless and until the fertilized egg is implanted in the woman's uterus and a viable pregnancy results.” “Clinically detectable.”
RELATED: Brit says pro-family in vitro fertilization, 'worth protecting'
Ivey said she believes IVF is ultimately pro-life.
“After the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, I said that in our state we are working to promote a culture of life,” Ivey said. “This certainly includes some couples who are hoping and praying to be parents using IVF. My Republican colleague in the Legislature, Senator Tim Melson, along with members of the Senate and House, are working on a solution to ensure that these families and life itself are protected.”
“I look forward to continuing to follow this case closely.”
As a result of the ruling, at least three fertility clinics in Alabama have temporarily halted IVF treatments or limited their services. The state's largest hospital, UAB, also began halting various IVF services.
Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
do not miss! Subscribe today To deliver top Alabama headlines to your inbox.
