COMMENTARY
Forrest Bohler, BS; Daniel P. O’Mahony, MSLS; Eli Y. Adashi, MD, MS
Corresponding Author: Forrest Bohler, BS, Medical Student; Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Email: forrestbohler@yahoo.com
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2024.240312R1
Keywords: Alabama, Bioethics, Endocrinology, In Vitro Fertilization, Infertility, Medical Ethics, Medical Legislation, Patient Care, Primary Health Care, Reproductive Health, Reproduction Rights
Dates: Submitted: 08-21-2024; Revised: 10-28-2024; Accepted: 11-18-2024
Status: In production for ahead of print.
Since its introduction to the U.S. in 1981, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has facilitated the birth of over 1.5 million Americans, largely evading political controversy. This avoidance of political controversy was upended after the judicial interpretation of Alabama’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act that deemed embryos "unborn children" in early 2024. This decision has sparked a national dialogue on IVF, leading to significant legislative efforts at the national level such as the Right to IVF Act, which aims to establish and protect the right to fertility treatment, ensure insurance coverage, and expand access for veterans and marginalized communities. This paper examines these legislative initiatives and their potential impacts on the future of IVF in the United States. Additionally, it explores the crucial role of primary care providers (PCPs) in this evolving landscape, highlighting their importance in patient education, initial fertility assessments, and ongoing support throughout the IVF journey. As the first point of contact for many patients, PCPs are uniquely positioned to navigate the changing legal and ethical considerations surrounding IVF, making their understanding of these developments essential for comprehensive patient care.