The Alabama Attorney General’s office stated on Friday that there are no plans to prosecute families or providers for IVF services.
Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson mentioned, “Attorney General Marshall has no intention of using the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision as a basis for prosecuting IVF families or providers,” in a statement.
This announcement followed a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision that led to the closure of IVF programs in the state, drawing criticism from national figures like Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump.
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Last week, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that families could sue IVF clinics for the “wrongful death of a minor.” The ruling has prompted at least three clinics to stop offering IVF services in the state.
Alabama officials have distanced themselves from the court’s decision and expressed a desire to see the issue resolved.
In response to the ruling, Governor Kay Ivey stated, “In our state, we work to foster a culture of life, which includes couples utilizing IVF services.”
Legislators from both parties have introduced bills to address the issue, clarifying the status of embryos in IVF procedures.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, has committed to finding a solution to ensure IVF remains legal and accessible in the state after a public discussion about the ruling.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, emphasized the need for the Republican supermajority to address the concerns raised regarding the legislation.