Months after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children, the effects of this controversial decision are still felt by ordinary Alabamians and their families. Perhaps the most significant consequence of the ruling was the chilling effect it had on in vitro fertilization (IVF) services offered throughout the state.

The Alabama Legislature quickly passed legislation to protect IVF practices following the ruling, but to some, the new law is merely a Band-Aid that doesn't address the larger problem.

Jamie Hurd had to postpone her procedure until August because of lingering questions surrounding the procedure in Alabama. https://t.co/WX5sChI2sU

— Montgomery Advertiser (@MGMAdvertiser) June 10, 2024

by Montgomery AdvertiserJamie Hurd, a Birmingham mother who has struggled with infertility for more than a decade, had to put her IVF plans on hold after a state Supreme Court ruling caused clinics to cancel appointments.

Despite the efforts of the Alabama Legislature, the lack of federal protections for IVF leaves many, including Hurd, in limbo. Advertiser She still has five embryos left that she doesn't know what to do with.

Following the court's ruling, Hurd traveled to Washington to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in defense of IVF.

The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling caused the clinic to stop offering IVF treatments, but the decision was heartbreaking for many people struggling with infertility but desperate to have a baby.

Jamie Hurd is one of the Alabamians affected by the decision.

Listen to her powerful personal testimony. pic.twitter.com/dkKxtYmeP6

— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) March 20, 2024

“Our hopes are dashed when we hear the news that the clinic is discontinuing treatment,” Heard told lawmakers. “It breaks my heart to hear and read comments that seem like nature is telling us our health condition means we shouldn't have children. IVF is hope for those of us hoping to conceive, and in my situation and the situation of so many others, it is a medically necessary treatment.”

“Access to unrestricted medical care is a fundamental human right.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on X. @ShipleyAusten