BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Following Gov. Kay Ivey's signing of SB159 into law Wednesday night, national and state officials released statements on the decision that will protect IVF providers from legal liability.
The following statements have been issued by UAB Hospital, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and state lawmakers.
“The overwhelming support of SB159 from the Alabama Legislature proves what we have been saying: Alabama works to foster a culture of life, and that certainly includes IVF. I am pleased to sign this important, short-term measure into law so that couples in Alabama hoping and praying to be parents can grow their families through IVF. IVF is a complex issue, no doubt, and I anticipate there will be more work to come, but right now, I am confident that this legislation will provide the assurances our IVF clinics need and will lead them to resume services immediately.
I commend Senator Tim Melson, Representative Terri Collins, President Pro Tem Greg Reed and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, as well as the members of the Legislature for quickly tackling an issue we did not anticipate when we started this session.
Make no mistake about it, though, in the coming days, weeks and months, particularly as we are in the heat of a national election, we will hear a lot of political rhetoric around IVF. 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.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey after signing SB159 into law
UAB appreciates the Alabama legislature and Governor Ivey for swiftly passing and signing a legislation that provides some protections, and will therefore allow UAB to restart in vitro fertilization treatments -- also known as IVF. While UAB is moving to prepromptly resume IVF treatments, we'll continue assess developments and advocate for protections for IVF patients and our providers.
Warner Huh, M.D., chair of the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
"Two weeks ago, the future of IVF in the state of Alabama was in danger. Five legislative days have passed since the Alabama Supreme Court Ruling, and a bill granting our IVF clinics immunity has now been signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. In Alabama, we recognize that IVF plays a crucial role in our commitment to fostering a culture of life, and I couldn't be prouder of how the House and Senate came together and passed a pro-life bill for the people of Alabama."
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter
“RESOLVE is relieved that Alabama clinics can reopen their IVF programs and work with patients to help them fulfill their dreams of becoming parents. While we are grateful for the actions of Alabama legislators, this legislation does not address the underlying issue of the status of embryos as part of the IVF process – threatening the long-term standard of care for IVF patients. There is more work to be done.
Patients and providers in Alabama, and across the country, want and deserve the protected right to build families. Recent polls found that 81% of Alabama GOP primary voters support the state legislature in passing a new law to protect IVF services and clinics in the state, while 85% of American voters believe in increasing access to fertility treatments. I will be at the State of the Union address Thursday night, in support of national legislation to protect fertility treatments everywhere, for everyone, so that hopeful parents don’t have to worry that their state will be next.
We are inspired by the thousands of advocates in Alabama that chose to speak up and take action, and to those brave advocates who shared their stories with the media and with their legislators. RESOLVE looks to Fight for Alabama Families to continue its advocacy to improve the legislation, and asks advocates to remain vigilant and continue to share their stories.”
Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and leader of the organization’s Fight For Families Campaign
0 Comments