Alabama's Republican Legislature Passes Pro-IVF Bill, Go Figure

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by Alander Rocha and Jenna Stephenson, Alabama Reflector
February 29, 2024

The Alabama Legislature Thursday approved bills to extend criminal and civil immunity to in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers, trying to address the fallout of an Alabama Supreme Court decision that declared frozen embryos children.

HB 237, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, passed the House on a 94-6 vote late Thursday morning. The Senate passed SB 159, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, on a 34-0 vote.

Both bills passed after hours of debate in both chambers. Republicans and Democrats in the House both expressed concerns over unintended consequences. Democrats in both chambers questioned if it would be enough to protect IVF in the state, and accused Republicans of pursuing anti-abortion policies — including a 2018 “Sanctity of Life” amendment and a 2019 abortion ban — that led to the court’s decision.

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said the IVF conundrum was an “I told you so” moment.

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