Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos

SOURCE thehill.com
Alabama's Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children under state law and subject to legislation dealing with wrongful death of a minor. This decision was made in a lawsuit where in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients' embryos were destroyed by a patient. The court found that the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act applies to all unborn children, regardless of their location.

Key Points

  • Frozen embryos are considered children under Alabama state law
  • The Wrongful Death of a Minor Act applies to all unborn children, including embryos
  • The court's decision did not address the treatment of 'extrauterine children'

Pros

  • Provides legal protection for frozen embryos
  • Acknowledges the importance of recognizing embryos as potential life

Cons

  • Raises ethical and legal questions about the status of embryos
  • May impact the accessibility and cost of IVF procedures