Ivey signs stop-gap measure to allow IVF treatments to resume

MONTGOMERY — Two weeks after a state Supreme Court ruling caused in vitro fertilization to come to a halt in the state, Gov. Kay Ivey signed IVF protections legislation, after it received overwhelming support from the Alabama Legislature.

The House of Representatives passed SB159 Wednesday, it received concurrence in the State Senate and was then sent to Ivey for her signature.

“The overwhelming support of SB159 from the Alabama Legislature proves what we have been saying: Alabama works to foster a culture of life, and that certainly includes IVF,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to sign this important, short-term measure into law so that couples in Alabama hoping and praying to be parents can grow their families through IVF.

“IVF is a complex issue, no doubt, and I anticipate there will be more work to come, but right now, I am confident that this legislation will provide the assurances our IVF clinics need and will lead them to resume services immediately.”

The governor said she is grateful to the Legislature for swiftly bringing forward this stop-gap measure so fertility clinics, that previously chose to close out of an abundance of caution, can reopen.

“In Alabama, we recognize that IVF plays a crucial role in our commitment to fostering a culture of life, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the House and Senate came together and passed a pro-life bill for the people of Alabama,” she said. “I commend Senator Tim Melson, Representative Terri Collins, President Pro Tem Greg Reed and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, as well as the members of the Legislature for quickly tackling an issue we did not anticipate when we started this session.”

Ledbetter praised the Legislature for coming together to pass the bill.

“Two weeks ago, the future of IVF in the state of Alabama was in danger,” he said. “Five legislative days have passed since the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, and a bill granting our IVF clinics immunity has now been signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.

“In Alabama, we recognize that IVF plays a crucial role in our commitment to fostering a culture of life, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the House and Senate came together and passed a pro-life bill for the people of Alabama.”