Republican US Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama is facing backlash after making controversial comments regarding a recent ruling by the state's supreme court on frozen embryos being considered children. Tuberville appeared to struggle to address the contradictory situation faced by women seeking fertility treatments following the court's decision.

At a conservative conference, Tuberville expressed support for the court ruling, stating that he believed "we need to have more kids" and that he thought it was the right thing to do. However, when pressed on how the ruling might impact those trying to conceive through IVF, Tuberville appeared unsure and mentioned the need for further discussion.

As a result of the court's ruling, at least three IVF providers in Alabama have suspended their services, leading to concerns about access to fertility treatments in the state. Tuberville acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, "That's a hard one. It really is," when asked about IVF availability in Alabama.

Tuberville's spokesperson later clarified his remarks, emphasizing the senator's stance on supporting life at all stages and strong families. The spokesperson stated that Tuberville did not support the decision by clinics to halt IVF procedures.

The Alabama court's decision stemmed from a lawsuit by IVF patients whose frozen embryos were destroyed in December 2020. The ruling has put Republican anti-abortion politicians in a challenging position as they navigate between opposing abortion and supporting treatments that aid conception.

Tuberville's recent comments follow his previous actions, including ending a blockade of US military promotions in December over his opposition to a Pentagon policy facilitating abortions for service members and dependents. The senator has also expressed support for the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal abortion right established by Roe v. Wade.