Landmark Alabama ruling says frozen embryos are babies

The Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that frozen embryos are people. The first-of-its-kind decision could have significant implications for reproductive rights and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in the country.

The court’s judgment stemmed from a case where a patient mistakenly destroyed frozen embryos belonging to others, resulting in a wrongful death lawsuit.

The ruling overruled a lower court’s dismissal of the suit and affirmed that unborn children, including frozen embryos, are afforded the same legal protection as babies under Alabama law.

Reproductive rights activists and advocates worry the ruling could jeopardize IVF treatments, decrease its availability and hike the costs of the treatment, as healthcare providers may become more cautious due to potential legal liabilities.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, several states have pushed the legal boundaries of abortion. At least 11 US states legally define personhood as beginning at fertilization.