Internet unhappy as Alabama Gov signs legislation shielding IVF providers from legal liability

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation to protect invitro fertilization providers from legal liability after the State Supreme Court, in February, ruled that frozen embryos are children, reported the New York Post.

The legislature passed the GOP-sponsored bill on Wednesday, March 6, and was quickly signed by the Republican Governor to restore IVF access in the state, which went to a standstill after the SC ruling.

According to USA Today, the House members passed the bill 81-12, and the Senate approved it 29-1.

"The overwhelming support of SB (Senate Bill) 159 from the Alabama Legislature proves what we have been saying: Alabama works to foster a culture of life, and that certainly includes IVF," Ivey said in a statement after signing the legislation.

The first-of-its-kind court ruling stemmed from two lawsuits filed by a group of IVF patients against the Center for Reproductive Medicine after their embryos were accidentally destroyed at a cryogenic storage unit in December 2020. The Alabama SC on February 20 stated, "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics," leading to the closure of IVF facilities in the state.

What does legislation guarantee?

Based on an NBC News report, the fast-tracked law will 'provide civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to an embryo to any individual or entity when providing or receiving services related to in vitro fertilization'.

It further ensures "no action, suit, or criminal prosecution for the damage to or death of an embryo shall be brought or maintained against any individual or entity when providing or receiving services related to in vitro fertilization."

Though Gov. Ivey expressed confidence that the legalization would assure the IVF clinics in the state to restart their services immediately, it had no mention of the legal status of the embryos.

The Alabama SC ruling had sent repercussions throughout the nation, creating a fear of reproductive rights in a post-Roe v Wade US. Nevertheless, Republicans and Democrats showed support for the IVF treatments, including former President Donald Trump, who said he "strongly supports the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby." While President Joe Biden called the ruling "outrageous and unacceptable."

Internet unsatisfied with Alabama legislation

Responding to Gov Ivey signing the legislation, netizens accused the lawmakers of finding a solution to the problem of their creation.

One user wrote, "This is so hypocritical. Typical Alabama."

"Oh… fixed a problem you created. Good job?" remarked another outraged user.

A third user pointed out, "Alabama can’t undo what it’s done. That ruling was felt nationwide. Alabama needs to remember there is a separation of church and state."

Someone else added, "Yeah, no one believes you. You achieved what you desired and got pushback. Fixing a problem of your own creation. Can’t wait for your successor to do that with the CHOOSE Act."

"I am not congratulating you on putting out a fire you started," a fifth response read.

Another person said, "The backtrack is hilarious."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.