House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen has joined a growing group of conservative lawmakers calling for Alabama’s fertility clinics and hospitals to resume IVF treatments after the state’s Supreme Court ruled that a frozen embryo can legally be classified as a child.
As a result of the shock decision, entities across the state offering IVF services have paused treatments for fear of legal ramifications.
Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) said legislation protecting IVF providers from prosecution is on its way.
“Legislation providing civil and criminal immunity to Alabama’s fertility clinics performing IVF procedures is being fast-tracked and is expected to pass both the House and Senate quickly,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “The immunity measure will provide IVF clinics with the reassurances they need in order to reopen their doors and resume services to couples attempting to have children.”
Stadthagen referred to Scripture to describe the importance of promoting pro-life policies within Alabama and also vowed that the Legislature would “right this wrong.”
“Psalms 127:3 tells us that ‘Children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward,’” he said. “The Alabama House and Senate are taking action to reverse the impact of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, and I am confident that action will be both swift and successful.”
Last week, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office has no intentions of using the ruling as a reason for prosecuting IVF families or providers.
Legislation is now in both chambers that would rectify the high court’s decision. Similar bills have also been introduced in at least 15 states with four states, including Alabama, already having fetal personhood laws on the books.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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