Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement Thursday regarding recently introduced legislation that would classify embryos as “potential life” rather than “human life” until they are implanted in the uterus.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. Tim Melson, was written in response to last week's Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as children. The state Supreme Court's decision has raised serious concerns among IVF providers in Alabama, who now say they fear legal repercussions if they continue to treat the public.

Specifically, the new law states: “A human egg fertilized in vitro is considered to be a potential life, but it is not considered human life for any purpose until the fertilized egg is implanted in a woman's uterus and a pregnancy is possible. “Not medically detectable.” ”

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Ivey said she believes IVF is ultimately pro-life.

“In response to the Alabama Supreme Court decision, I said our state is committed to fostering a culture of living,” Ivey said. “This certainly includes couples who are hoping and praying to become parents using IVF,” said his Republican colleague in Congress, Sen. Tim Melson, along with senators and congressmen. We are working on solutions to ensure these families and their very lives are protected.”

“We will continue to monitor this issue closely.”

As a result of the ruling, at least three fertility clinics in Alabama have already suspended IVF treatments or limited their services. UAB, the state's largest hospital, also began suspending various IVF services.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.