This past weekend has made history in many ways. The Supreme Court’s decision last Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade has raised fears across the nation for many individuals, providers, and patients. Outside of the restrictions and bans set by some states, many providers are concerned that the wording of these state bills will have far-reaching ramifications on even those who are looking to get pregnant and the clinics dedicated to helping them.

What does this mean?

Experts have spoken out on multiple news platforms stating that this high-level court ruling could open up the opportunity for states to interfere with the fertility process, IVF, in which sperm fertilizes an egg outside the body in a lab. This concern comes from language in these laws defining “personhood” and “life” as starting as early as conception. These “personhood bills” would legally recognize embryos as ‘persons’, making IVF treatments more difficult and perhaps criminalizing the discarding of embryos or miscarriages resulting from implanting abnormal embryos. It could also bring into question embryo testing, which is used by hundreds of clinics each year to determine the best embryo to implant for IVF success.

Fertility doctors and academics are concerned abortion laws already in place by trigger laws will be interpreted incorrectly causing grave harm to patients, providers, and the industry as a whole.

Should I be concerned about my access to IVF treatment?

This question is really dependent on a state-by-state basis. If you live in a state with strict abortion laws and possible personhood laws being put in place, it may be time to consider treatment somewhere else. If you already have embryos frozen, it is possible to transfer embryos to out-of-state clinics for later use.

States where IVF may be affected – 

  • AL, AR, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MO, MS, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WV, WY – High Risk
  • AZ, Fl, KS, MI, MT, NC, NE, PA, WI, VA – Uncertain
  • AK, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MA, ME, MD, MN, NH, Nj, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA -Low Risk

New Hopes Virtual Clinic

If you are in an at-risk state and are wanting to transfer treatment/embryos, our Virtual Clinic is open and ready to help. We opened our virtual/outside monitoring program in the pandemic and since have helped thousands of people begin IVF treatment no matter their location. If you are interested in learning more click here. 

Why New Hope?

New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating, and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (347) 970-8479 or schedule your initial consultation today!