A Huntsville in-vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic will be closing in 2025.
Huntsville Reproductive Medicine made the announcement on Monday but didn’t give a reason for closing.
“After 20 incredible years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of Huntsville Reproductive Medicine, P.C., effective January 1st, 2025. We understand the impact this may have on our patients and their families, and we want to assure you that we will continue to support you during this transition. We cannot accept any new patients after September 5th, 2025. Our current IVF series services are on track as scheduled, but we will not add new patients,” Andrew Harper, owner of Huntsville Reproductive Medicine, said on Facebook on Monday.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February an embryo created through IVF is a child protected by Alabama’s wrongful death act and the Alabama Constitution. The decision has led to months of media, political and theological debates nationwide about IVF. Most IVF clinics temporarily shut down before legislators passed a lawsuit immunity bill for IVF clinics in March.
In the case originating from Mobile, LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, Inc., the Supreme Court held in a 7-2 decision that parents of frozen embryos killed at an IVF clinic when an intruder tampered with an IVF freezer may proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit against the clinic for alleged negligence.
In March, the legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey passed legislation into law providing civil and criminal immunity to IVF clinics for death or damage to embryos in response to the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Court also held that the Alabama Constitution's Sanctity of Life Amendment, ratified by Alabama voters and made law in 2018, would require the Court to interpret the law in favor of protecting the unborn. Alabama’s Sanctity of Life Amendment declares in the state Constitution that it is “the public policy of this state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
