"This week, the Alabama Supreme Court handed down a decision on LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, Inc. The court held that a fertilized frozen egg (an embryo) is the legal equivalent to a fetus or living child.

Modern medicine and technology within the field of reproductive endocrinology assists patients who experience infertility. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 married women, with no prior birth history, experience infertility and are unable to get pregnant after 1 year of trying. As such, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an accepted standard of care to assist and enable patients to conceive a child.

IVF is an integral part of healthcare, to which all Americans should have access. 

This ruling significantly impacts patients and providers in Alabama, and its chilling effect can already be seen as clinics begin to temporarily suspend IVF-related services. Healthcare providers are being put in a hard position, with many unwilling to provide care due to the potential legal ramifications.

We recognize the tremendous impact this ruling has for our Alabama members and providers, and of course, patients throughout the state. APAOG is here to support all of you - providers, patients and their families - during this challenging time."

Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Additional resources on this topic:

https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2024/02/acog-statement-on-alabama-supreme-court-ivf-decision

https://www.asrm.org/news-and-events/asrm-news/press-releasesbulletins/asrm-condemns-dangerous-court-decision-alabama/

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4481856-how-alabamas-frozen-embryo-decision-is-shaking-the-nation-what-you-need-to-know/