News & Blog
Statement from RESOLVE on Pause of IVF Procedures at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
February 21, 2023 — Today, the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system announced that it will pause in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures citing fears that their patients and doctors could face prosecution or punitive damages. This announcement comes after Friday’s ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos are children.
Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and leader of the organization’s Fight For Families Campaign, issued the following statement in response:
“We are absolutely heartbroken for the Alabama family building community. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) health system – the largest healthcare system in the state – has been forced to make an impossible decision: pause IVF procedures for those hoping to build their families, or put their patients and doctors at risk of prosecution.
“For those living with infertility and trying to build a family, a ‘normal’ IVF cycle is hard enough. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are right now in the middle of a physically and emotionally challenging medical process to fulfill their dream of a baby. Would-be parents have invested their hearts, time and resources. Now, less than a week after the Alabama Supreme Court’s devastating ruling, Alabamans in the midst of seeking treatment have had their lives, their hopes and dreams crushed.
“This cruel ruling, and the subsequent decision by UAB’s health system, are horrifying signals of what’s to come across the country. We will continue to fight to maintain and increase access to care for the 1 in 6 adults nationwide who struggle with infertility.”
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About RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Established in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is a non-profit organization with the only established nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for anyone experiencing infertility or challenges in building their family. RESOLVE addresses this public health issue by providing community to all who need it, connecting them with others who can help, empowering them to find resolution and giving voice to their demands for access to all family building options. For more information, visit www.RESOLVE.org.
About Fight for Families
Fight for Families, a campaign led by RESOLVE, was launched in light of the Dobbs decision to protect IVF and other reproductive healthcare needed by people trying to get pregnant and grow their family. RESOLVE, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to family building, is concerned by legislation that threatens to limit the safe and effective medical options for people trying to conceive and achieve a healthy pregnancy. Fight for Families will help raise the voices of hopeful parents to their elected leaders and protect their rights to build a family. To join the Fight for Families campaign and help defend IVF and family building, please visit https://fightforfamilies.resolve.org/ for more information and to sign up for updates and how to take action.