Days after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children, one facility pauses IVF treatment, report says

CNN
 — 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham health system became the first organization in the state to confirm it is pausing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos are children, the health system said in a statement to AL.com.

The system said it was “saddened” for patients interested in the IVF process.

“We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments,” university spokesperson Hannah Echols told AL.com.

CNN has reached out to the university but has not heard back.

The Medical Association of the State of Alabama also expressed concern over the decision.

“The significance of this decision impacts all Alabamians and will likely lead to fewer babies—children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins—as fertility options become limited for those who want to have a family,” the group said in a statement.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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