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Legislation Targeting ‘Personhood’ Could Limit IVF Access for Aspiring Parents
In her quest for a large family, Maria Thompson faced unexpected challenges that tested her resolve. After welcoming her first child through intrauterine insemination (IUI), Maria spent the next several years pursuing siblings, but her journey was fraught with difficulties. After enduring five miscarriages, three rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), two IUIs, and one frozen embryo transfer (FET)—all resulting in zero viable pregnancies—Maria and her husband decided to halt their efforts to grow their family biologically.
They are among the one in eight couples who will experience infertility. Thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, many families like Maria’s have been able to pursue their dreams of parenthood. However, these breakthroughs are now at risk due to emerging “personhood” legislation at both state and federal levels.
Since 2008, numerous state bills have sought to define human life as beginning at conception. While the infertility community has successfully pushed back against these measures, the recent introduction of two federal personhood bills has prompted advocates to prepare for another fight.
The situation escalated in 2009 when Nadya Suleman, widely known as “Octomom,” gave birth to eight children after transferring 12 embryos during an IVF cycle. This controversial case led to heightened scrutiny of embryo transfer practices and prompted legislators in Georgia to introduce the “Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act.” This bill aimed to limit the number of embryos implanted while also embedding personhood language, a move that sparked concern among reproductive health experts.
Dr. Samuel Reyes, a reproductive endocrinologist in Atlanta, explained that the bill contained language asserting embryos as human lives with their own rights, which was an attempt to covertly introduce personhood into reproductive healthcare legislation. While often associated with restricting abortion, experts warn that personhood bills could have serious implications for those seeking infertility treatments.
Dr. Lisa Patel, based in Oklahoma City, has been vocal about the potential dangers of personhood legislation. She noted that many supporters of such bills lack awareness of their unintended consequences. “If embryos are granted the same rights as adults, it creates perilous situations for IVF practices,” she cautioned. “Only 30% of embryos will lead to successful births, and without the ability to manage embryos effectively, lab technicians may fear legal repercussions.”
The ramifications could extend beyond the closure of IVF clinics; they may alter how reproductive endocrinologists approach treatment. Dr. Reyes emphasized that a shift toward more cautious practices would likely result in lower pregnancy rates and increased costs for patients who would need to undergo additional treatment cycles. If personhood laws were enacted, fertility specialists might revert to outdated methods from the early days of IVF, significantly hindering progress made in the field.
As personhood bills lack clear provisions for protecting IVF patients, Barbara Jackson, president of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, expressed doubt that satisfactory amendments could be made. In Virginia, for instance, an attempt to include protections for IVF patients in a personhood bill fell short, underscoring the difficulties of crafting effective legislation.
Currently, two federal personhood bills—H.R.586 “Sanctity of Human Life Act” and H.R.681 “Life at Conception Act”—are pending. Though their progress has been slow, the support they have garnered raises concerns among infertility advocates. Maria shared her experience navigating the emotional turmoil of infertility, stating, “We just want the freedom to make our own medical decisions without political interference.”
For those interested in learning more about infertility and potential solutions, resources like WomensHealth.gov offer valuable insights. Additionally, for those looking to explore options for home insemination, this post provides helpful information. If you’re considering artificial insemination, check out CryoBaby’s Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit for a comprehensive solution.
In summary, the introduction of personhood bills poses a significant threat to the future of IVF and the reproductive rights of those facing infertility. As advocates rally to protect family-building options, the battle over personhood raises critical questions about reproductive healthcare and the rights of embryos.