Alabama governor signs bill protecting IVF into law: 'Proud we are a pro-life, pro-family state'

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 159, which protects in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in the state, into law Wednesday night. It is effective immediately.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 159, which protects IVF treatments in the state, into law Wednesday night. The law ensures civil and criminal immunity for medical professionals in case of unintentional death or damage to an embryo. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The law is designed to protect medical professionals from civil and criminal immunity in case of unintentional death or damage to an embryo following a ruling made by the state Supreme Court allowing three couples who lost frozen embryos during a mishap at a storage facility to file for wrongful death claims.

"Unborn children are ‘children’ ... without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics," Justice Jay Mitchell wrote in the ruling.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ivey said she understands IVF is a "complex issue" and she anticipates "there will be more work to come," but the priority was to "provide the assurances" fertility clinics needed so the ones who paused treatments could "resume services immediately."

"Let me say clearly: Alabama supports growing families through IVF. From protecting the unborn to supporting IVF, Alabama is proud we are a pro-life, pro-family state," Ivey said.

The law is effective immediately and applies retroactively.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Subscribed

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alabama-governor-signs-bill-protecting-ivf-proud-pro-life-pro-family-state