Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has voiced her support for a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that recognizes frozen embryos as children. This decision could potentially impact in-vitro fertilization (IVF) practices nationwide. The ruling arose from a case involving the destruction of frozen embryos in a fertility clinic accident, prompting Justice Jay Mitchell to assert that unborn children are considered children without exception.

The ruling has led to concerns about the potential implications for IVF procedures, where more embryos are typically created than implanted. Some worry that if embryos are legally considered people, every embryo created through IVF would need to be implanted, leading to significant changes in the IVF process and access to fertility treatments.

Following the decision, the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system has paused its IVF treatments as it evaluates the legal landscape. This move has raised alarm among infertility advocacy groups, with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association expressing concern over the impact on individuals seeking IVF treatment.

Alabama Fertility Specialists also announced their decision to pause new IVF treatments due to legal risks associated with the court ruling. These developments have caused uncertainty and distress among individuals seeking fertility treatments in Alabama.

Nikki Haley, who has previously shared her struggles with infertility, clarified her stance on the issue, emphasizing both the importance of fertility treatments for women and the need to respect embryos. She has called on the GOP to navigate the complexities of abortion with compassion and seek consensus.

The court ruling and subsequent reactions signal a growing debate over reproductive rights and the future of IVF practices in the United States.