State lawmakers from both parties this week sought to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers from legal liability following the Alabama Supreme Court's Feb. 23 ruling that defined frozen embryos as “children.” With the introduction of the bill, many clinics have become legally responsible. Services to families will be suspended for several days after the verdict.

State Sen. Tim Melson and State Sen. Larry Stutz, North Alabama physicians who serve on the Senate Health Care Committee, said that in vitro fertilization services, except in cases of intentional misconduct unrelated to in vitro fertilization services, has introduced two bills to protect organizations and individuals involved in the provision of services from criminal and civil lawsuits. Â

Related: Governor Kay Ivey: IVF “nurturing a culture of life”

On Wednesday, state Sen. Larry Stutz (R-Tuscumbia) led members of the Senate Health Care Committee in advancing these bills. The bill materialized as the Republican Party's official legislative solution to concerns from both patients and health care workers.

“As you know, I have been an obstetrician-gynecologist in Alabama for 31 years, referred many, many patients for infertility treatment, and delivered many babies as a result of IVF treatment,” said Senator Stutz. the lawmaker said. “I think I have a unique understanding and position on what these issues are.”

The committee approved both SB159 and SB160If passed by both the House and Senate on the same day, it could be signed by Gov. Kay Ivey as early as tomorrow.

“We just need to say, what you've been doing is working, you were doing it a few weeks ago, and it's okay to start doing it again now. Because it protects you from that civil and criminal liability, Stutz said.

“I don't think we should legislate the standard of care,” Stutz said. “The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is in charge of that. Fertility practices have evolved over the years and are better now than ever before.”

Senate Republicans also promoted HB160 by state Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence), which was replaced with language that would remove the retroactive and automatic repeal provisions. Melson said with these changes made and this bill in place, patients are the top priority.

“I have confirmed that my bill has been reviewed by UAB, Cooper Surgical, which manufactures the goods, and trial attorneys, and they have all come to a conclusion that they are not completely satisfied with, but they “They had to do some give and take to help these people, but the overall goal is to help patients in Alabama,” said Sen. Melson.

Related: President Trump urges Alabama state lawmaker to ensure in vitro fertilization: 'I strongly support it'

In the Alabama House of Representatives, Democrats are pushing for a stronger solution to the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling.

On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) introduced a bill to overturn the ruling through a constitutional amendment aimed at completely redefining the status of ectopic embryos. affirmed The sacredness of the life that is born. Such an amendment would require Alabama voters to decide the issue again.

Daniels' bill would amend the Alabama Constitution to define that an ectopic embryo, whether fertilized or not, would not be considered a person for any legal purpose.

that suggestion The entire House Democratic Caucus signed it.

“I don't think anything other than actually suspending the Supreme Court's decision is anything I'm particularly excited about,” Daniels said. Yellow Hammer News.Â

“Because I think if these questions and uncertainties still remain, it's going to create more chaos in the long run. The Supreme Court decision couldn't be any more anti-life, right? It's the opposite,” Daniels said. Told. “Because if what we're focusing on is life, and this is the last and best option for parents and families to give them hope of having a child someday, how do we support this decision? I don’t know if there are people. –

Related: Brit says IVF is pro-family and 'deserves protection'

In the House, state Rep. Terry Collins (R-Decatur) is introducing a companion bill to Republican amendments introduced today by the Senate Health Care Committee. The senators' changes are expected to be adopted by the House Health Committee later today.

“From the moment the House of Representatives learned of the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision, we will take the necessary steps to protect IVF clinics and ensure they can continue to provide support to hopeful parents. We made it our top priority,” said Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. He said. “Providing temporary immunity to IVF clinics will provide the safety and assurance they need to reopen immediately, while also providing enough time for the House and Senate to develop an airtight, permanent solution.” You will be able to secure more time.”

Both chambers of the Alabama Legislature could vote on the Republican-proposed solution as early as tomorrow, and Gov. Kay Ivey could sign it the same day.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. @Grayson270.Â