Statement On Alabama State Supreme Court IVF Ruling

Washington, DC — Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) member Representative Susan Wild released the following statement in response to the Alabama State Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos created during IVF are considered “children” under state law.

Rep. Wild is the lead sponsor of H.R. 7056, the Access to Family Building Act, which would codify an individual’s right to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including in-vitro fertilization (IVF),

“The recent ruling out of Alabama – and the deeply concerning repercussions we're already seeing throughout the state – underscores the immediate need for Congress to pass my Access to Family Building Act which would ensure that no state law can infringe upon the right to undergo IVF treatment.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to start or grow their family using the full range of assisted reproductive technology available, and I’ve seen firsthand how challenging and emotional this process can be. Now, instead of allowing hopeful parents to focus on their own personal fertility journeys, the Alabama Supreme Court has forced them to worry about criminal prosecution for themselves and their doctors – as health care centers continue to pause IVF services across the state. 

“Make no mistake: without clear and decisive action to protect IVF, and other ARTs, we are sure to see a string of similar attacks crop up across the country. I call on the rest of my colleagues in Congress to join me in advocating for the passage of my Access to Family Building Act.”

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