MADISON – A North Alabama in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic announced Monday it will be closing after 20 years of practice.
On a Facebook post, Huntsville Reproductive Medicine said it will cease accepting patients Sept. 5 and will officially close Jan. 1, 2025.
However, the Madison clinic said the decision to close was not related to the IVF ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court earlier this year.
“This was solely a personal decision,” Dr. Andrew J. Harper posted. “We have been honored to serve this community for 20 years. Our patients’ embryos are safe, and we are working on being able to give them many options to protect their family-building goals moving forward.”
Harper said the decision was made with “mixed emotions.”
“We understand the impact this may have on our patients and families, and we want to ensure you that we will continue to support you during this transition,” said Harper. “We are grateful for the trust that you placed in us over the years, and we are committed to ensuring that you have the support that you need during this time. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
“Providing the community with reproductive care has been a privilege. Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship and wish you and your family the best of health.”
The clinic provided a closing Q&A on its website.
- When will Huntsville Reproductive Medicine officially close for business?
– Jan. 1, 2025 - What will happen to my medicated treatment/IUI cycle?
– After Nov. 30, we will no longer initiate new cycles to ensure that all cycles are
completed prior to the closing of Huntsville Reproductive Medicine, P.C. - How can I get a copy of my medical records?
– You must complete/sign a Medical Release Form (found on our website
www.huntsvilleivf.com). Signed medical release forms can be returned to the office via fax (256) 213-9978, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to the office. We will not be able to accommodate walk-in requests for records.
– Please allow up to 10 business days for us to prepare your records. - How can we get a copy of my partner’s medical records?
– Your partner must complete/sign their own Medical Release Form and follow the same steps above. - When is the last cycle to retrieve my eggs?
– October 2024 will be our final IVF egg retrieval cycle. - When is the last cycle to transfer my embryo(s)?
– December 2024 will be our final embryo transfer cycle. - I have embryos/sperm/eggs stored at Huntsville Reproductive Medicine. What will happen to them?
– Rest assured that your embryos/sperm/eggs remain safely stored at HRM. We are currently formulating a plan for them. Once a plan has been finalized, you will be notified. - Can I dispose of my embryos/sperm/eggs?
– Due to the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling, we are no longer discarding embryos. You can opt to discard your eggs and/or sperm. To do so, please email Laura at [email protected] to set up an appointment for discard consent and notary
The clinic is one of just eight in the state. The ruling in question caused several IVF clinics in the state to either pause or shut down operations for fear of the legal ramifications imposed by the verdict.
In March, the Alabama Legislature passed a bill setting forth liability protections for clinical practices.
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