Bill shelved that sought changes to Iowa law outlining penalties for terminating a pregnancy

Bill shelved that sought changes to Iowa law outlining penalties for terminating a pregnancy

DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill that would have made changes to Iowa’s fetal homicide law has been shelved after a Senate Republican joined Democrats in voicing concerns about the potential impact on in vitro fertilization after an Alabama court found frozen embryos can be considered children. The Senate declined to consider the bill, which … Read more

Iowa House OKs bill to criminalize death of an “unborn person” despite IVF concerns

Iowa House OKs bill to criminalize death of an “unborn person” despite IVF concerns

DES MOINES, Iowa — Republicans in Iowa’s House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday that would criminalize the death of an “unborn person” — over Democrats’ concerns about how it might apply to in vitro fertilization, after an Alabama court found frozen embryos can be considered children. Iowa’s law currently outlines penalties for termination or … Read more

Alabama clinic resumes IVF treatments under new law shielding providers from liability

Alabama clinic resumes IVF treatments under new law shielding providers from liability

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — At least one clinic in Alabama has resumed in vitro fertilization treatments after the governor signed a bill into law shielding providers from potential legal liability raised by a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children. Alabama Fertility Specialists performed several embryo transfers Thursday, news outlets reported. Video from CBS News … Read more

Alabama lawmakers advance legislation to protect IVF providers after frozen embryo ruling

Alabama lawmakers advance legislation to protect IVF providers after frozen embryo ruling

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers facing public pressure to restart in vitro fertilization services in the state advanced legislation to shield providers from the fallout of a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children. Committees in the state Senate and House on Tuesday approved identical bills that would protect providers from lawsuits and criminal … Read more

What to know about Alabama’s fast-tracked legislation to protect in vitro fertilization clinics

What to know about Alabama’s fast-tracked legislation to protect in vitro fertilization clinics

Alabama lawmakers are moving fast to approve measures this week to protect in vitro fertilization clinics from lawsuits in response to an uproar sparked by last month’s state Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos have the rights of children under the state’s wrongful death law. Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, is expected to sign … Read more

Alabama lawmakers aim to approve immunity laws for IVF providers

Alabama lawmakers aim to approve immunity laws for IVF providers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers, who face public pressure to get in vitro fertilization services restarted, are nearing approval of immunity legislation to shield providers from the fall out of a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children. Committees in the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate on Tuesday will debate legislation … Read more

Medical groups urge Alabama Supreme Court to revisit frozen embryo ruling

Medical groups urge Alabama Supreme Court to revisit frozen embryo ruling

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Groups representing Alabama doctors and hospitals urged the state Supreme Court on Friday to revisit a decision equating frozen embryos to children, saying the ruling is blocking fertility treatments and harming the medical community. The Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Hospital Association filed a brief supporting a … Read more

Alabama IVF ruling highlights importance of state supreme court races in this year’s US elections

Alabama IVF ruling highlights importance of state supreme court races in this year’s US elections

CHICAGO — CHICAGO (AP) — The recent ruling in Alabama that frozen embryos are legally considered children created a political firestorm after the decision halted treatment for many couples seeking to have families through fertility treatments. It also has turned the spotlight on the importance of institutions that are poised to play a central in … Read more

Patients urge Alabama lawmakers to restore IVF services in the state

Patients urge Alabama lawmakers to restore IVF services in the state

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — LeeLee Ray went through eight miscarriages, one ectopic pregnancy and multiple surgeries before turning to surrogacy in her hopes of having a child. She and her husband found a surrogate through a matching program, and they hoped to soon transfer frozen embryos. But now that plan is in doubt as Alabama fertility … Read more

Alabama IVF ruling puts spotlight on state plans for tax breaks and child support for fetuses

Alabama IVF ruling puts spotlight on state plans for tax breaks and child support for fetuses

TOPEKA, Kan. — The recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are legally protected children is highlighting how support for the idea that a fetus should have the same rights as a person underpins far less dramatic laws and proposals from abortion foes across the U.S. Lawmakers in at least six states have proposed … Read more