Two Alabama clinics restarted in vitro fertilization services on Thursday after Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) signed legislation to protect IVF providers and patients from legal trouble following the state’s Supreme Court ruling.

Last month, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that IVF embryos were considered children and those who destroy them could be found liable for wrongful death. Several clinics halted operations afterward to ensure the security of their staff and patients.

“Let me say clearly: Alabama supports growing families through IVF. From protecting the unborn to supporting IVF, Alabama is proud we are a pro-life, pro-family state,” Ivey said in a statement. 

Alabama Fertility Specialists, a clinic that closed in the wake of the ruling, expressed their gratitude for the new law. 

“A solution – after 19 days of uncertainty and 14 days of missed opportunities for our patients,” the clinic said on Facebook. “We are grateful to Senator Melson and Representative Collins for understanding the importance of immediate access to IVF and for finding a solution in a complex issue.”

The University of Alabama at Birmingham also said they would restart services Thursday.

The third clinic that stopped IVF treatment following the ruling said the new law does not go far enough to legally protect providers and patients, and they will continue to pause treatment.

“At this time, we believe the law falls short of addressing the fertilized eggs currently stored across the state and leaves challenges for physicians and fertility clinics trying to help deserving families have children of their own,” Infirmary Health Systems and the Center for Reproductive Medicine said. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The law does not address the state’s definition of ‘personhood,’ prompting some criticism of the new law.

The Alabama House Democratic Caucus said the law does not “adequately address the many legal questions of embryonic personhood.”