In light of the Alabama Supreme Court Decision…

On February 16, 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court issued a ruling declaring frozen embryos to be children and that discarding frozen embryos constitutes the wrongful death of a minor. In his opinion, the Chief Justice referenced God 41 times and repeatedly quoted the Bible. This is a blatant violation of religious freedom, as the Alabama Supreme Court seeks to impose a narrow Christian interpretation of theology on all residents of Alabama.

Weeks later, the Alabama State Legislature passed a bill allowing IVF providers and receivers to continue to provide and receive IVF services. But what happened in Alabama was not an isolated incident: we are seeing attacks on IVF across the country. 

Jewish law is clear: an embryo is not regarded as a person. And the most common Jewish interpretation is that life begins at birth. Jews in the United States disproportionately rely on IVF, with 17% of Jewish women utilizing fertility treatments to get pregnant, compared to 12.5% of the general population. This ruling caused significant distress and confusion for Jews, LGBTQ+ couples, and others who rely on IVF to start a family not only in Alabama, but also across the country. 

Barriers to accessing IVF would only exacerbate the existing lack of health coverage. National Council of Jewish Women affirms that everyone should have the full reproductive freedom to decide if, when and how to build their families — including through IVF.

People should have full reproductive freedom to decide when, if, and how to build their families.

Add your voice below pledging to help us move closer to a world where every person is able to access comprehensive, affordable, compassionate, and equitable reproductive health care — including IVF.

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