In a recent ruling, the Alabama Supreme Court dealt a severe blow to reproductive rights by equating cryopreserved embryos with children. This decision has far-reaching implications, threatening not only our bodily autonomy but also our freedom to make deeply personal decisions about our lives and families.
The ruling prompted some Alabama fertility clinics to halt their services out of fear of legal repercussions. Prospective parents were left devastated, unable to access common fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). This ruling is a stark reminder of the ongoing attacks on reproductive health care, from access to contraception to fertility care to abortion.
It is clear that this ruling is part of a broader agenda aimed at rolling back decades of progress in reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ groups seek to undermine access to contraception, criminalize fertility care, and strip away the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
Amidst this nationwide assault on reproductive rights, our progress in Connecticut stands out against the national climate. Our state has taken significant steps to protect LGBTQ+ families and ensure access to reproductive health care. Comprehensive laws safeguard legal security for LGBTQ+ parents and groundbreaking legislation shield reproductive and transgender health care.
However, there's still work to be done. The Fertility Health Care Coverage bills introduced this session and a priority of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, had successful public hearings, are currently under consideration in the Connecticut state legislature. These bills aim to strengthen protections for fertility health care by updating outdated provisions and aligning fertility health care coverage with the medical standard of care.
Connecticut has the opportunity to lead by example and show that progress is possible despite relentless opposition from anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ groups, politicians, and judges. Access to family-building health care, including IVF, is essential health care for many people. We are working hard to pass this legislation and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to build their families. We need to once again rise against the efforts to erode our rights and freedoms and fight for everyone’s ability to become parents.
Watch the full press conference on the Alabama ruling, hosted by Senator Blumenthal featuring Gretchen Raffa, here.
Tags: Courts, Reproductive Rights, IVF