“In light of the recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, which classifies frozen embryos as ‘children,’ ARC-Southeast stands in firm opposition to this outrageous decision that further encroaches on reproductive rights and freedoms,” said Angel Whaley, ARC-Southeast’s Co-Executive Director. “This ruling not only complicates the already fraught journey for those seeking IVF treatments, but also sets a concerning, hypocritical precedent for reproductive justice nationwide.”
As an organization dedicated to ensuring Southerners’ access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, ARC-Southeast is deeply troubled by the implications of this ruling for individuals and families pursuing IVF as a path to parenthood. This decision adds another layer of difficulty for many in our community already navigating the challenging terrain of reproductive healthcare, including the complex nature of IVF treatment.
“The implications of this ruling are immediate and distressing, with Alabama’s largest hospital already stopping its IVF services out of fear of legal repercussions,” said Alexia Rice-Henry, ARC-Southeast’s other Co-Executive Director. “We know that this is the same fear that is used against us as we fight against Alabama’s restrictions on funding legal abortions outside the state, and their web of repressive abortion laws. This is another example of the broader assault on reproductive rights, an assault that extends well beyond the scope of just abortion itself since the dismantling of Roe.”
Reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy, our right to self-determine what we do with our own bodies, and the legal rights to protect these fundamental human rights are all at stake. This ruling shows the hypocrisy of those opposed to bodily autonomy; the same politicians who have deemed frozen embryos as ‘children’ and maintain a total abortion ban, have simultaneously removed thousands of children from Alabama’s school meals program and cut thousands more from Medicaid.
It is clear that Alabama is only interested in controlling poor and working peoples bodies, dictating our reproductive decisions, and not supporting their current residents and children with fully accessible health resources, services, and care. This decision introduces even more confusion regarding the availability of reproductive healthcare in Alabama, exacerbating the existing total abortion ban and the conditions of one of the deadliest maternal mortality rates in the country. Moreover, it further blurs the legal lines and definitions of personhood, in order to advance conservative political agendas seeking total domination over our bodies and choices.
While the full impact of this ruling remains to be seen, ARC-Southeast is committed to serving and sharing information from Yellow Hammer Fund, and other important organizations that work primarily in Alabama’s Deep South region.
Here’s some ways you can help us in this fight:
- Support Local RJ Organizations: Consider donating to organizations committed to reproductive justice, who work tirelessly every day to help Southerners access reproductive care. Such as us at ARC-Southeast, the Yellowhammer Fund in the deep south, and the West Alabama Women’s Center — because all of our work will directly and indirectly be impacted by this ruling. Your financial support enables these organizations to continue their vital work.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Learn about the implications of recent legal changes on reproductive rights, the latest on the Alabama ruling, and share information frequently within your community to raise awareness.
- Advocate for Change: Participate in advocacy days this Wednesday, Feb. 28, and contact your local representatives, and use your voice on social media to oppose restrictive reproductive laws and promote policies that protect reproductive freedom. Join in protests and demonstrations, create important journalism, and lend your labor to our movements!