Alabama lawmakers on verge of sending bill protecting IVF providers to governor in wake of frozen embryo ruling

Montgomery, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers facing public pressure to restart in vitro fertilization services in the state advanced legislation to shield providers from the fallout of a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children.

Committees in the state Senate and House on Tuesday approved identical bills that would protect providers from lawsuits and criminal prosecution for the "damage or death of an embryo" during IVF services. The state's three major IVF providers paused services after the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling last month because of the sweeping liability concerns it raised.

Lawmakers are aiming to give final approval Wednesday and send the legislation to Gov. Kay Ivey to be signed into law. They have fast-tracked the immunity legislation as a proposed solution to get clinics back open as they weigh whether additional action is needed.