Two Alabama fertility clinics, halted in vitro fertilization (IVF) operations last month, are preparing to restart services following the passage of a new bill that protects doctors and clinics involved in routine IVF processes, including the discarding of embryos.
Dr. Janet Bouknight of Alabama Fertility explained that their suspension of IVF services on February 22 was in response to a state Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as unborn children. This ruling had put approximately 40 patients’ treatments on hold.
Dr. Warner Huh from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department announced plans to resume IVF treatments, citing the new bill’s protections. However, he emphasized ongoing advocacy for further protections for patients and providers.
Contrastingly, the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Mobile Infirmary, involved in the lawsuit that triggered the court decision, announced it won’t restart IVF services without more legal clarity on the new law’s scope.
The new law, signed by Governor Kay Ivey, grants civil and criminal immunity to health professionals providing IVF services. This move followed the suspension of IVF services at three Alabama clinics due to concerns about legal ramifications of discarding embryos.
Patient Meghan Cole expressed relief at Alabama Fertility’s decision to resume IVF, but shared apprehensions about the future legal landscape in Alabama, considering moving her embryos out of the state for safety.
The law’s effectiveness is still debated, with some experts concerned that it doesn’t address the legal status of embryos in IVF, potentially threatening standard IVF care.
Despite being a temporary solution, the bill has reassured IVF clinics and related businesses, with companies like ReproTech, specializing in long-term embryo storage, feeling more confident to operate in Alabama post-legislation. However, concerns about the long-term legal status of embryos remain unresolved.