President Biden went after Republicans for the Alabama Supreme Court decision that nixed in vitro fertilization during his State of the Union address, calling on Congress to guarantee the right to the reproductive treatment nationwide.
Mr. Biden highlighted Latorya Beasley, a social worker from Birmingham, Alabama, who had a child thanks to IVF treatments and planned to use the procedure to have another.
But, he said, her plans were put on hold when her home state’s high court ruled last month that frozen embryos were to be considered children and that their destruction could lead to wrongful death lawsuits for doctors who performed the procedure.
“She was told her dream would have to wait,” Mr. Biden said. “What her family has gone through should never have happened. And unless Congress acts, it could happen again.
“So tonight, let’s stand up for families like hers.”
His calls for codification of IVF protections were met with resounding cheers from Democrats and a handful of Republicans.
Mr. Biden’s plea comes after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation on Wednesday that would provide criminal immunity to doctors in the event that frozen embryos are damaged or destroyed.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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