House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said he does not expect the Alabama House of Representatives to consider any changes to its current in vitro fertilization (IVF) law passed earlier this year.
House Bill 237 (HB237), sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur), grants civil and criminal immunity for acts related to IVF with some exceptions.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," the DeKalb County Republican said he expected the federal government to take the lead on the issue.
"Well, we certainly are in discussion about it, and we've had a group that has worked on some issues around it. I think right now, I talked to Senator [Greg] Reed — of course, I know the leadership has changed in the Senate," Ledbetter said. "But there was some interest of waiting to see what the federal government does. I know Trump — really, that has been a strong issue of his. And so, that could have a direct impact on Alabama if the federal government does something."
He continued, "So, I think from our standpoint, it's working now. I mean, we have got families in the state that's been able to have children because of it, and grow in their families. So, I think it's important to kind of see what happens on the federal level and monitor it. And I certainly appreciate the members that is looking into all the issues that comes with it. So, we'll continue to do that. We'll go forward, and certainly, that will be part of the discussion. We'll meet with a new pro tem about it, that will be one of them. I think we've got a list, a pretty long list, and maybe catch up on some of the things we've been discussing during the off year. But we'll see. We'll kind of see how it goes and listen to the federal government, see what President Trump does."
"And I know he has certainly been involved in this issue," Ledbetter added. "He is, I know in one of the debates, I'd seen where he was bragging on Alabama and how they handled this. So, we'll continue to stay in contact with our federal delegation and move forward."
According to Ledbetter, the status quo would stay in place.
An Alabama Supreme Court 7-2 ruling in an IVF lawsuit originating from Mobile, LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, Inc., held that parents of frozen embryos killed at an IVF clinic when an intruder tampered with a freezer may proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit against the clinic for alleged negligence.
That lawsuit was dismissed last week.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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