The recent decision by the Alabama Supreme Court to consider embryos created through IVF as unborn children has raised concerns within the fertility field about the future of IVF. In response, Alabama quickly passed legislation to protect IVF services, urged by President Trump to find a swift resolution. This bill, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, offers immunity from legal repercussions for those involved in IVF if embryos are damaged. However, worries persist about the potential impact on IVF practices.
There are apprehensions that further regulations could limit the number of embryos created and stored, as well as restrict embryonic research. This ruling challenges society to move beyond historical eugenic practices and treat embryos as persons, rather than objects to be manipulated at will.
The IVF process involves screening embryos for genetic defects, leading to the discarding of “non-viable” embryos. This practice opens the door to the selective reduction of “defective” children, echoing past eugenic practices of ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece.
In addition to selective reduction, IVF allows for gamete donation, where individuals can choose donors based on physical and intellectual traits. This “build-a-child” mindset reflects a consumerist approach to conception and diminishes the value of children as individuals.
Furthermore, the ability to choose the sex of embryos before implantation perpetuates the idea that children are disposable commodities. Embryos should be recognized as persons, not to be destroyed or considered “leftovers.”
While IVF is often seen as a solution for infertile couples to have children, the reality of the procedure raises ethical concerns about the treatment of embryos. It is essential to consider the implications of IVF practices on the value of human life and the treatment of embryos as personhood.
Katie Breckenridge, an operations administrator at Them Before Us, an organization focused on children’s rights, sheds light on these ethical dilemmas. She holds a background in mental health, trauma-informed practice, and bioethics, contributing to the discourse on IVF and its implications.
