A recent decision by the Alabama Supreme Court has sent shockwaves through the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) community, as it ruled that embryos created during the IVF process are considered “extrauterine children” and entitled to legal protection.
This decision, invoking Christian faith and the Alabama constitution, could have significant implications for the millions of Americans undergoing IVF treatments, especially in states with “personhood” laws that grant legal status to unborn children.
The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling, which repeatedly references the sanctity of life and protection of unborn children, raises questions about the legal status of embryos created through IVF.
Alabama Court (Credits: WTOK)
IVF advocates have long expressed concerns about potential repercussions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, allowing states to enact abortion restrictions. There are approximately 600,000 to 1 million frozen embryos in storage nationwide, according to estimates.
IVF, a process by which multiple eggs are harvested, fertilized, and then implanted to create a pregnancy, has been a vital option for couples struggling with infertility.
The Alabama ruling could impact the fate of unused embryos in storage, leading to questions about potential government intervention, child abuse charges, or legal consequences for doctors handling IVF procedures.
Barbara Collura, CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, expressed deep concerns about the potential ramifications of the decision, suggesting that it might lead to a halt in most IVF work in Alabama.
Doctors may fear legal consequences, including homicide charges, for mishandling embryos or even in cases of miscarriage. The Alabama decision has broader implications for the ongoing debate around abortion rights and reproductive freedom, especially as the presidential election approaches.
It adds complexity to the discussions between abortion rights and anti-abortion groups, with President Joe Biden pledging to protect abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare while some conservative elements advocate for further restrictions.
The ruling stems from a case where two couples sued after their frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed. The court acknowledged the potential impact on IVF practices in Alabama and beyond but emphasized that the decision was grounded in both law and faith, particularly the theologically based view of the sanctity of life.
