AWHONN supports the inclusion of infertility treatments as reproductive health care and believe those who need it should have the option to cryopreserve embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The Alabama Supreme Court’s decision has the potential to impede access to this treatment.
Declaring personhood for embryos creates the possibility of legal consequences if an embryo is damaged or destroyed during the IVF process or if excess embryos are disposed of after successful fertilization. This ruling creates an environment where the risk of criminal liability will deny the people of Alabama the opportunity to create and grow their families using IVF.
AWHONN advocates for the protection of healthcare access, informed decision-making, and the autonomy of individuals to pursue the family planning options that best suit their needs and desires. These personal and private decisions are implemented within a health care system whose clinicians respect the patient’s right to make informed decisions based upon their personal values and preferences.
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