The all-Republican Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization are considered children under state law, causing public outrage and pushing politicians on both sides to respond. Marilyn Gomez, a North Carolina resident and IVF advocate, felt personally affected by the ruling due to her own struggles with infertility and IVF treatments. In response, she created T-shirt designs to raise awareness and protect IVF rights. While North Carolina is not one of the 19 states that have laws declaring fetuses as people, conservative efforts to restrict abortion have raised concerns about the potential impact on IVF access. Democrats, including Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, have shared personal stories to highlight the importance of IVF for many families. Groups like Resolve have seen a surge in interest in advocacy for IVF rights following the Alabama court decision. Lawmakers in several states have introduced bills to protect IVF, with Alabama being the first to enact legislation. The issue has sparked new activism and advocacy efforts, with individuals like Marilyn Gomez taking the lead in raising awareness and supporting pro-IVF legislation. The Alabama ruling has also motivated couples like Jamie and Dontez Heard to advocate for IVF rights, despite feeling intimidated by the process. Overall, the widespread impact of fetal personhood laws on IVF access has energized advocates and raised awareness about the importance of protecting reproductive rights.
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