Sen. Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) said Saturday that there will be a “correction” of the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that frozen embryos are human beings. The ruling caused health centers in the state to suspend in vitro fertilization (IVF). process.
“We are in favor of keeping these clinics open. As you know, there will be an amendment to the Alabama ruling by the Alabama Legislature, the governor has come out.” Graham said in an interview with Fox News. “But we want to keep these clinics open.”
The Alabama Supreme Court’s decision is the first time a court has granted rights and protections to a fetus this early in pregnancy. The decision found that embryos and fertilized eggs are children under the Alabama Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, even if they are not implanted in a uterus.
Experts say the new standards could make in vitro fertilization more expensive and less accessible, but would not make it illegal.
Graham, like many Republicans these days, has voiced support for in vitro fertilization and fertility treatments. In his interview, he said that IVF clinics enhance the “joy of having a child.”
Although limited to Alabama, the ruling could have far-reaching implications and comes nearly two years after Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a federal right to abortion, was overturned. This could open the door to further conflict.
The South Carolina senator criticized Democrats who argued the ruling was related to abortion rights. They bring up abortion because they “can’t talk about anything else,” he said.
“If they can’t scare the hell out of us, they’re going to lose,” he said, referring to the 2022 turnout after Roe is overturned.
He went on to argue that “this is not a referendum on fertility clinics.”
Graham said Republicans will “support birth control” and Republicans will “keep fertility clinics open.”
After the ruling, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) urged candidates to express support for IVF. The NRSC also urged Republican candidates to support infertility treatment and reject efforts to restrict in vitro fertilization, saying the decision would allow Democrats to “manipulate the abortion issue for electoral gain.” .
Former President Trump expressed support for maintaining access to IVF treatment on Friday, saying Graham “gave a very good answer.” He vowed that under his own leadership, the Republican Party will “make it easier, not harder, for mothers and fathers to have babies.”
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