Tim Lahey, M.D., M.M.Sc., professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine and the medical ethics director at the UVM Medical Center

(FEBRUARY 23, 2024) Tim Lahey, M.D., M.M.Sc., professor of medicine at the University of Vermont’s (UVM) Larner College of Medicine and the medical ethics director at the UVM Medical Center, commented to Vermont Public about a new law in Alabama that states frozen embryos are now considered children, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for people seeking medical treatments in order to conceive.

Even though the Alabama Supreme Court ruling does not affect other states, it has shaken up the world of reproductive care providers, including those in Vermont. Alabama’s ruling will have no effect on reproductive care in Vermont. But due to the nature of how in vitro fertilization (IVF) works, some reproductive health care providers in Vermont have begun fielding questions from concerned patients.

“It saddens me that the politicization and unsubtle politician responses to nuanced private medical issues is making it harder for our neighbors to access needed care,” Lahey said.