MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 159 into law following an hours-long discussion among lawmakers to finalize the bill.
The bill, sponsored by Alabama Sen. Tim Melson, grants immunity to medical providers if damage or death occurs to an embryo individual or entity in relation to IVF.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, along with members of the Republican caucus, addressed the decision to finalize the bill.
"The Republican caucus stands strong in life, and we've proven that today," Ledbetter said. "I've had people call in tears to say you know we were almost ready to get the process done and were cut short but today after today they can start that back and we're proud to be able to have done that."
Though the bill has garnered support from some Republicans, House Democrats feel the bill is only a temporary fix to a long-term problem.
"There is no other doctor in the state of Alabama that is granted that immunity and I have a problem with that," Rep. Juandalynn Givan said.
On Wednesday, Givan took to the podium to share her concerns saying she is all for IVF services but feels this particular bill could have deadly consequences in the long run. Suggesting more time was needed to come up with a bill that would permanently protect fertility services and the lives of women as they undergo the process.
"Let's get it right. Let's just go ahead and do it the right way. But to do this in a manner where we do not put a sunset on the level of liability issue or immunity, that's reckless in itself," she said.
The passing of this bill presents the question: is it enough to permanently protect IVF services in Alabama and stop any potential Alabama Supreme Court rulings against the bill? At this time, lawmakers say only time will tell.
"What we're going to have to do is see what happens as we move forward and how we can come together as a body and come up with the best answer and the best plan," Rep. Terri Collins said.
Ledbetter said the Republican caucus is taking pride in the fact that they were able to pass this in five legislative days.
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