Alabama Supreme Court Decision on Frozen Embryos Sparks Controversy and Legal Battles
In February, all eyes were on in vitro fertilization (IVF) when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos in the state should be considered children. This decision caused a halt in IVF procedures in some parts of the state and even a suspension of embryo shipments out of state to avoid potential criminal liabilities. In early March, a law was passed to protect IVF providers, leading some clinics to resume procedures, although legal challenges may still arise.
These rulings could have far-reaching consequences for a large number of prospective parents. In the United States, over 2% of children born are conceived through assisted reproductive techniques, with IVF being the most common. According to the National Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Techniques, at least 12 million children have been born worldwide through IVF since 1978.
Couples opting for IVF are still a minority among those trying to conceive. They tend to have a high income (with the cost of a single IVF cycle averaging around $23,474) and are mostly between the ages of 35 and 40, when natural conception statistics are not in their favor. The decision to pursue IVF is often driven by various factors, including time constraints, logistical challenges, health concerns, and even the desire to choose the gender of their child.
While most insurance plans do not cover IVF unless certain criteria are met, many individuals end up paying out of pocket for the procedure. However, IVF success is not guaranteed, and there are risks involved, including the possibility of miscarriage. Success rates also vary based on maternal age, with younger women having higher chances of a live birth after IVF.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, many couples like Sarafina El-Badry Nance and Faith Hartley have found IVF to be a viable option for building their families. El-Badry Nance, an astrophysicist, chose IVF due to a genetic mutation, while Hartley and her husband opted for IVF to ensure the gender of their second child.
While IVF can be a physically and emotionally taxing process, for many, the potential rewards outweigh the difficulties. As the debate around IVF continues, one thing remains clear: the choice to pursue IVF is deeply personal and often driven by a strong desire to create a family.
