MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Late Wednesday, the Alabama Legislature will grant in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to embryos that are currently defined as human beings under the state’s wrongful death statute. The so-called “IVF amendment” bill was passed. The law was enacted following a 7-2 decision by the Alabama Supreme Court last month.
After the state Senate agreed, Gov. Kay Ivey immediately signed the bill, saying she expects it will give IVF clinics that have shut down services the “assurances” they need to reopen.
“The overwhelming support for SB159 from the Alabama General Assembly proves what we have always said: Alabama is committed to fostering a culture of life, and that includes IVF. That’s for sure.” ivy said. “We are pleased to sign this important short-term measure to help Alabama couples expand their families through IVF as they hope and pray to become parents. We expect more work to come, but for now we are confident that this legislation will provide IVF clinics with the necessary guarantees to quickly resume their services.
In remarks following the bill’s passage, State House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R) echoed the governor’s remarks. He called the bill pro-life and argued that immunity would allow IVF clinics to operate without concerns arising from the state high court’s ruling.
“Two weeks ago, the future of IVF in Alabama was in jeopardy,” Ledbetter said in a statement. “Five days after the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Kaye signed into law a bill granting immunity to IVF clinics. ivy. In Alabama, we recognize the important role IVF plays in our commitment to fostering a culture of life, and we couldn’t be more proud that the House and Senate came together to pass pro-life legislation for the people of Alabama. I do not think so. ”
according to Associated Press reportingone of three clinics that had suspended services in the wake of the state Supreme Court, resumed in vitro fertilization services Thursday, citing a legal fix.
The IVF story has been weaponized by national Democrats and is expected to be mentioned by Biden in Thursday’s State of the Union address.
But a Republican response is expected after Biden’s speech, with Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) expected to respond.
State lawmakers told Breitbart News on Wednesday that Ivey’s office was actively pushing for the bill to pass to ensure “fixes” were made before Britt responded to Republicans. That’s what it means.
Follow Jeff Poor on Twitter @jeff_poor
