The recent developments in Alabama's legislation regarding embryos have sent shockwaves through the IVF community. The law, which now considers embryos as children, has brought with it a wave of negative implications that threaten to further limit access to fertility treatments like IVF.
Let me be clear: I'm not here to debate the philosophical question of whether an embryo should be classified as a child. That, I firmly believe, is a deeply personal decision for those going through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF to make. What I am deeply concerned about, however, is how this law is already impacting the ability for some to receive the care.
One of the most immediate consequences of this law is the fear it instills in fertility clinics. Understandably, these clinics are now faced with the terrifying prospect of legal action if they proceed with treatments that involve the destruction of embryos deemed "children" under the law. As a result, clinics are shutting down their IVF programs out of fear of the legal repercussions.
This shutdown of clinics creates a ripple effect that is felt most profoundly by those of us struggling to start our families. With fewer clinics available to provide IVF treatments, the ones that will remain could increase their prices, making a huge cost already astronomical. Something already so financially burdensome could become even more out of reach for many.
For me, and countless others, access to the best possible care is not a luxury—it's a lifeline. When Juan and I underwent genetic testing after our egg retrieval and received the heartbreaking news that two of our embryos were not compatible with life, those embryos were discarded, following the hospital’s standard practice. Fortunately for us, we still have 6 viable embryos in the freezer.
Now, I fear that doctors will be hesitant to offer such guidance or even recommend genetic testing in fear of breaking the law. Right now, this law is only for Alabama; however, as we know with other laws, other states may follow suit. I've heard stories of clinics canceling procedures at the last minute, leaving patients who had prepared both physically and emotionally for a frozen transfer, in limbo. All the time, money, and emotional investment seem we’re for nothing.
The reality is stark: Alabama's new law on embryos is not just a legal matter—it's a deeply personal and profoundly impactful one for those of us navigating the already turbulent waters of infertility. It's a law that threatens to further limit our access to the treatments that offer us hope, and that is a loss that none of us should have to bear.
As I sit here with thoughts of uncertainty of what lies, I can't help but hope for a future where our access to care is not dictated by fear and legal constraints of people in legal positions deciding what women can do with their bodies. Until then, we'll continue to speak out, to advocate for ourselves and for those who may be silenced by these laws.
If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to advocate for those struggling with infertility, check out https://resolve.org/take-action/
You can also read more about Alabama’s new law here: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68366337.amp