In Vitro Fertilization Legislation in Alabama
Alabama lawmakers rushed to protect in vitro fertilization services after fertility clinics shut down due to a court ruling that frozen embryos are children under the state wrongful death law. Legislation was advanced to extend lawsuit protections to clinics, shielding them from prosecution and civil lawsuits related to the 'damage to or death of an embryo' during IVF services.
Key Points
- Legislation focused on lawsuit protections for clinics
- Alabama Supreme Court ruling treated embryos as children under wrongful death law
- Republicans looking at future restrictions on unused embryos
- Democrats concerned about women's autonomy
Pros
- Legislation would keep clinics open and families moving forward
- Broad bipartisan support for the bills
Cons
- Some Republicans aiming for future restrictions on unused embryos
- Democrats concerned about interference with women's decisions