In a surprising turn of events, the recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court has transformed the lives of Spencer and Gabby Goidel into a fight for reproductive rights. The couple, who had just begun the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), found themselves caught in the crosshairs of a controversial decision that deemed frozen embryos as children.

The Goidels, residents of Alabama, received the devastating news just two days after Gabby started her IVF medication. With each injection carrying a hefty price tag of approximately $4,000, the couple was left uncertain about the future of their dreams to have a child.

Reeling from the ruling, Spencer, an assistant professor of Political Science at Auburn University, found himself compelled to become an activist, a role he had never imagined taking on. What was once their personal journey had suddenly been transformed into a political battleground by the highest court in their state.

The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling, if upheld, could have significant consequences for fertility clinics and patients alike. With a high percentage of embryos not surviving throughout the IVF process, the potential legal liability for doctors and clinics would be enormous. This could lead to increased costs for patients or even the avoidance of IVF altogether.

As Gabby continued her IVF treatment, uncertainty loomed. The University of Alabama Birmingham's fertility clinic temporarily halted IVF procedures, sparking panic for the Goidels and prompting them to consider leaving the state to continue their journey to parenthood. With their clinic also pausing treatment, they made the difficult decision to flee to Temple, Texas, where they found a favorable environment for reproductive rights.

Despite their privilege and the confidence that they would find another clinic, the couple recognized the financial constraints that many others would face. They realized that not everyone would have the means to fight for their reproductive rights, leaving them feeling fortunate to have been able to seek treatment elsewhere.

With the support of their new doctor, Dr. Gordon Wright Bates, the Goidels proceeded with their IVF journey. The egg retrieval went well, but the road ahead remains uncertain, as they await the results of preimplantation genetic testing and navigate the stress of the process.

However, a glimmer of hope emerged on Wednesday night, March 6, when Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that provides legal protection to IVF clinics in the state. This development was celebrated by the Goidels, who hope that they are the last Alabamian couple forced to leave their home for IVF treatment.

The couple's personal experience and the court ruling have brought them into a world of activism, even though they never sought it. Traumatic events like this can often depress voter turnout, but the Goidels and others impacted by the ruling are determined to stay engaged, shaping the future of reproductive rights.

As Spencer remarked, "If we're going to have and raise the family we want, this is just the first of many decisions we're going to make that someone's not going to like." Their journey, filled with uncertainty and challenges, serves as a reminder that the fight for reproductive rights is far from over.