Alabama enacts law to protect IVF providers after state Supreme Court ruling

The Alabama House and Senate on Wednesday approved legislation to provide legal protection for providers of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after the Alabama Supreme Court determined that frozen embryos enjoy the same rights as children.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed the measure into law late Wednesday.

The court issued the decision in February, after which multiple state providers of IVF paused treatments, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system.

The legislation would shield providers from civil and criminal legal challenges stemming from the "damage or death of an embryo," according to the Associated Press.

After the ruling, prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, expressed their support for continued IVF access.

"Like the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of Americans, including the VAST MAJORITY of Republicans, Conservatives, Christians, and Pro-Life Americans, I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby," he posted last month. "Today, I am calling on the Alabama Legislature to act quickly to find an immediate solution to preserve the availability of IVF in Alabama. The Republican Party should always be on the side of the Miracle of Life - and the side of Mothers, Fathers, and their Beautiful Babies."

"IVF is an important part of that, and our Great Republican Party will always be with you, in your quest, for the ULTIMATE JOY IN LIFE!" he added.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.