Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill Wednesday night that gives immunity from criminal prosecution to medical professionals who freeze embryos for infertility treatment.
of invoice The system began after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos created during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process are “children,” resulting in multiple IVF clinics closing due to concerns of prosecution. In response to this, the proposal was proposed by lawmakers in February. Ivey announced that he had signed the bill. statement Released on X, formerly known as Twitter. (Related: Medical experts and Republicans face new challenges after red state Supreme Court's fetal ruling)
“There is no doubt that IVF is a complex issue and we anticipate that much more work will be needed in the future, but for now, this legislation provides IVF clinics with the necessary guarantees and immediate access to services.” I am confident that we will be able to reopen,” Ivey said. He said.
I signed SB159, the IVF Protection Act, which received overwhelming support from the Alabama Legislature. #alpolitics
Please read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/0bCabkuAbB
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 7, 2024
According to its text, the law prohibits “any action, proceeding, or criminal prosecution for the injury or death of an embryo,” but it does not address the state Supreme Court's argument that embryos have personhood. The law applies retroactively and protects providers who performed or participated in IVF services prior to the bill's adoption.
The Alabama Fertility Clinic and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Clinic both announced Wednesday that they plan to reopen IVF services after several weeks of closure in light of the new law. according to Go to NBC News.
“While UAB is moving to quickly resume IVF treatment, we will continue to evaluate developments and advocate for protections for IVF patients and providers,” said UAB Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Warner Hu said: Said in a video statement.
But some activists felt the bill didn't go far enough. according to Go to NBC News. RESOLVE: Barbara Collula, president of the National Infertility Association, said the organization is “relieved that clinics in Alabama can resume in vitro fertilization programs,” but that the bill would “improve “We are not addressing the fundamental issues,” he said. It is part of the IVF process. ”
Political analysts warn that the Alabama Supreme Court's decision could hurt the Republican Party's chances in November, and the silence from many party members speaks to that.
“It certainly intersects badly with Republican general election politics,” Stan Burns, a former Republican state senator and political consultant from Arizona, told Politico. “When you take aggressive action on this particular topic in any state, it makes people realize that, and a lot of people start thinking, “Maybe I won't be able to support the Republican Party in this election.'' Become.”
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