How Alabama’s New IVF Ruling Could Affect Your Journey to Parenthood

A recent change in Alabama’s legal landscape is raising concerns for families. Many individuals involved or interested in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are primarily concerned as the technology allows more people to grow a family. As states across the U.S. continue to introduce laws impacting reproductive health, Alabama’s new IVF ruling could significantly shape your path to parenthood. 

Many individuals and family members are growing worried because of Alabama’s decision to treat embryos as children. Some parts of the IVF process may put certain providers and patients at legal risk. Luckily, you may still have access to options through providers like Chedid Grieco. If you have any questions, please reach out to us to learn more.

What Is the New Alabama IVF Ruling?

Alabama’s ruling impacts patients who are considering IVF treatments or who have already begun the process. In February, the Alabama Supreme Court determined that embryos were legally considered children.

This ruling has made it much more difficult for excited families to access necessary reproductive care. In particular, the lack of clarity about whether embryos should be treated as children or not creates significant ambiguity for everyone involved.

What Are the Potential Implications of the Alabama IVF Ruling?

With Alabama’s ruling, several potential consequences may negatively affect patients and providers. 

Less Preservation and Flexibility

The ruling may make it unnecessarily challenging to preserve embryos properly, including those that would otherwise be more viable after preservation. The Alabama Supreme Court decision involved frozen embryos that were accidentally destroyed, so specific preservation techniques may be made illegal to avoid possible risks. 

This possibility is disappointing for a couple of reasons. Not only can freezing embryos increase flexibility for those in need of more options, but it can also improve the viability of the cells for a longer amount of time. Unfortunately, the ruling may make it more challenging to transfer fertilized embryos set aside for future use.

Providers may be restricted to the implantation of only fresh embryos. Statistically and logistically, fresh embryos are less likely to result in a successful live birth, pose a more significant risk for patients, and reduce freedom and agency for providers and patients.

Restrictions Due to Statistically Probable Non-Viable Embryos

Some embryos may not result in a live birth, whether frozen or transferred immediately after fertilization. Clinics generally discard embryos that do not survive the freeze-thaw process, have abnormal genetic results following testing, or would not be likely to survive a pregnancy. Due to this practice, the ruling may reduce access to embryos for growing families.

Additional Implications With the New Ruling

Several additional implications may come as a result of the new ruling. These potential downsides could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reduced access to medical testing for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic defects
• Increased risk of failed transfer, miscarriage, or congenital disability
• Less family growth
• Patients who have changed their minds may be forced to go through transfer
• Providers may become legally obligated to implant poor-quality embryos
• Increased legal and financial burden for patients, even when treatment does not result in a live birth
• Reduced access to other treatments, including those for gender-affirming care or cancer
• Decreased trust in medical providers

Many risks are associated with Alabama’s ruling. If you have any questions about your journey to parenthood, Chedid Grieco may be able to provide invaluable help and information.

Can You Still Build a Family After Alabama’s Ruling?

You and your family may still be able to grow despite Alabama’s new ruling. Those interested in building a family can still look for options outside of the United States, including us at Chedid Grieco.

Other countries and international fertility clinics can provide significant support, even when new rulings pose problems for prospective parents. If you are looking for excellent care and family-growing options, please reach out to Chedid Grieco to learn more about how we can help.

Want to Protect Your Journey to Parenthood? Contact Chedid Grieco to Learn More About Your Options

Alabama’s recent ruling on IVF has left many families and providers concerned about the future of fertility treatments in the state. At Chedid Grieco, we recognize how critical it is to understand these legal changes and their implications for your family planning journey. With nearly 30 years of experience, FDA and NYDH licensing, and our dedication to providing personalized care, we are here to help you navigate these challenges.

Our team has already assisted nearly 9,000 families, and we proudly support all family types, including LGBTQI+ communities. Whether you’re seeking clarity on how this ruling may affect your fertility options or you need guidance on the best steps forward, we are here to assist. Reach out to us at (305) 912-0050 or complete our contact form.