'The View' co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines clash over Alabama's ruling on frozen embryo

By Tamkeenat Rose
Published on : 23:04 PST, Feb 20, 2024

'The View' hosts Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines engaged in a heated on-air clash over the Alabama Supreme Court's recent ruling categorizing frozen embryos as children (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On Tuesday's episode of ABC's 'The View,' co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines engaged in a passionate on-air clash, tackling the Alabama Supreme Court's recent ruling that classifies frozen embryos as children.

According to Dailymail, The disagreement escalated, revealing stark differences in perspectives on reproductive rights, religious beliefs, and legal implications. Whoopi Goldberg, chiming in, advocated for a focus on caring for existing children rather than legal battles over embryos.

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Divided perspectives on embryos

"I fully support the court’s landmark decision. An embryo is an 'unborn child'—certainly more than just an egg and a separated sperm," said Sunny Hostin.

"If you bring a small embryo into the world, it is not viable at any level. The courts should prosecute IVF as abortion for rich people," replied Sara Haines.

The court ruling originated from a lawsuit filed by IVF patients whose frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed in December 2020. The Alabama Supreme Court's decision to allow a wrongful death lawsuit for a minor act sparked debate, with Sara Haines deeming it a "stretch."

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"We are Catholic, we knew that we could not destroy the embryos because in our eyes they are children. We used every single embryo, and if every single embryo became a child, then we do that, take care of that child," said Hostin.

Navigating the intersection of religion and science

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When questioned by Whoopi Goldberg about the influence of her religious beliefs, Sunny Hostin explained, "My religious beliefs are that conception is the beginning of human life. It is partly based on my religious beliefs and partly on science."

However, Haines said, "But if you bring that little embryo into the world, it’s not viable on any level."

Sara Haines criticized the intertwining of religious arguments and scientific perspectives, stating, "The whole miracle of life and the religious argument for the brilliance of science just don’t mix."

"Human lives cannot be unlawfully destroyed without incurring the wrath of the holy God. Let’s leave it to the holy God on the day of judgment and not to the holy court," said Haines.

Pro-life assertions and calls for child welfare

Whoopi Goldberg corrected Sara's self-declaration of not being pro-life, stating, "There is no one at this table who is not pro-life."

"I believe it is a woman’s right to choose what happens to her body. If you're consistent, go after IVF like the rich man’s abortion, hurting the lowest incomes," said Haines.

Whoopi Goldberg intervened, suggesting a focus on caring for existing children, highlighting a lack of understanding among lawmakers about reproductive technologies.

Whoopi Goldberg said, "Here’s the thing, you can do this just fine with a little embryo and a little egg. How about you take care of the kids that are here?"

As the show approached a commercial break, Whoopi emphasized the need for Alabama to prioritize caring for existing children over pursuing legal actions, stating, "Punishment is fine, but wrongful death is a bit much."