New polling shows support for IVF among GOP voters in Alabama

According to a new poll conducted by UpONE Insights, Alabama GOP primary voters oppose the Supreme Court’s February 16th IVF ruling by a ratio of nearly two-to-one.

The court ruled that stored embryos are afforded the same legal protection as children under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act of 1872. The decision led many IVF clinics across Alabama to temporarily suspend their services. In March, the Alabama Legislature passed a measure to shield providers from legal liability as a product of the ruling, and many reopened.

The survey was conducted statewide from February 29th to March 2nd, polling 500 Republican primary voters. With a margin of error of ± 4.4 percentage points, it concluded that 61% of GOP voters oppose the court’s ruling, while just 31% of GOP voters support it.

Opposition is consistent across all measured constituent groups. The majority of self-described conservatives (52%), Trump Republicans (62%), Christian conservatives (51%), pro-life voters (54%), and frequent church attendees (52%) express their disapproval of the ruling.

41% of respondents not only oppose the decision, but “strongly oppose” it. 22% say they “somewhat oppose” it.

14% of respondents say they “strongly support” the ruling, and 16% say they “somewhat support” it. 7% of respondents either refused to answer the question or responded “don’t know.”

Polled voters overwhelmingly support a new law aimed at protecting IVF services and clinics in Alabama, with over 81% of respondents expressing favorable views of potential legislation. 54% of those surveyed say they “strongly support” a new law, while 27% say they “somewhat support” a new law.

Only 13% of respondents are against IVF legislation, while 4% say they “don’t know.” 2% refused to give an answer. Again, responses were consistent across all measured constituent groups.

Over two-thirds of respondents are in favor of a future ballot initiative that would allow voters to weigh in on the issue. 67% expressed positive views of a possible amendment, while just 24% expressed opposition and 9% either don’t know or refuse to answer. Support for a potential ballot initiative remains steady across all constituent groups.

Policy and medical professionals argue the IVF issue isn’t settled because the immunity law remains in conflict with the court’s ruling and that lawmakers should find a more permanent protection.

As Dr. Mamie McClean, an IVF doctor at Alabama Fertility, explains, “Any uncertainty as to the future of IVF access in our state will lead to clinics closing or at a minimum limiting services and patients who can afford to, leaving the state for care.”

“Permanent protection for IVF medical treatments will lead to more babies and more families in our state.”

Charles Vaughan is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News.