Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill Wednesday night that protects in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments after a February ruling by the state Supreme Court caused some fertility clinics to suspend the procedure.
Senate Bill 159, a bipartisan bill, quickly passed Congress with strong support from state legislators to allow clinics to confidently resume operating on IVF patients.
“Alabama is committed to fostering a culture of life, and that certainly includes in vitro fertilization,” Ivey said in a statement Wednesday night. “I am 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.”
Alabama House, Senate pass IVF protections following court ruling
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law Wednesday night Senate Bill 159, which protects IVF treatments in the state. This law guarantees medical professionals civil and criminal immunity in case of accidental death or damage to embryos. (AP Photo/Vasya Hunt)
The law follows a state Supreme Court ruling that granted tort claims to three couples who lost frozen embryos in accidents at storage facilities, and which protects medical personnel in cases of accidental death or embryo damage. It is intended to protect against civil and criminal immunity. death claim.
“A fetus is a ‘child’…without exception based on stage of development, physical location, or other incidental characteristics,” Judge Jay Mitchell wrote in his decision.
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Mr Ivey said he understands IVF is a “complex issue” and expects “more work will be done in the future”, but the priority is to suspend treatment. It said the move was to “provide the guarantees” needed by fertility clinics so they could “resume services quickly”.
“Let me be clear: Alabama supports growing families through IVF. From protecting unborn children to supporting IVF, Alabama is proud to be a pro-life, pro-family state. Ivey said.
This law takes effect immediately and applies retroactively.
