It has been several months since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children, and the fallout from the controversial decision continues to affect everyday Alabamians and their families. Perhaps the most significant consequence of the decision was its cooling effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) services offered throughout the state.
Alabama legislators quickly passed laws to protect IVF in the aftermath of the ruling, but for some, the new laws are just a “Band-Aid fix” that fail to address the larger problem.
Jamie Heard had to push back her procedure to August as questions remain surrounding the process in Alabama. https://t.co/WX5sChI2sU
— MontgomeryAdvertiser (@MGMAdvertiser) June 10, 2024
According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Jamie Heard, a mother from Birmingham who has struggled with infertility for over a decade, had to pause her IVF plans after her clinic canceled her appointment as a result of the state Supreme Court’s decision.
Despite the Alabama legislature’s efforts, the lack of a federal law protecting IVF leaves many, including Heard, in a state of flux. Heard told the Advertiser that she still has five embryos that she does not know what to do with.
Following the court’s ruling, Heard traveled to Washington to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in defense of IVF.
The Alabama Supreme Court’s decision, which led clinics to halt IVF treatment, was heartbreaking for many who struggle with infertility but desperately want a baby.
Jamie Heard is one Alabaman affected by this decision.
Listen to her powerful, personal testimony. pic.twitter.com/dkKxtYmeP6
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) March 20, 2024
“Our hopes broke, hearing the news of our clinic pausing treatments,” Heard told the legislators. “My heart breaks as I hear and read comments such as our health conditions are nature’s way of telling us we shouldn’t have kids. IVF is hope for those of us trying to conceive. It is medically necessary care due to my and many other people’s circumstances.”
“Access to medical treatments without restrictions is a basic human right.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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