LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In response to the recent Alabama court decision that could jeopardize access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and what Democrats see as broader challenges to reproductive rights across the country, Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has reiterated the state’s commitment to upholding comprehensive legal protections.

The Alabama Supreme Court ruling determined that frozen embryos qualify as people under its state law saying “unborn children are children…without exception based on developmental stage.”

Governor reminds healthcare providers they are protected from extradition.

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Because of the ruling and the possible implications of it, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been directed by the governor to remind healthcare providers that they are protected from extradition on matters of reproductive care as outlined in Executive Order 2022-4, issued on July 13, 2022.

The MDHHS notification underscores safeguards against what the governor calls “unprecedented attacks on reproductive healthcare” in the courts and the need for vigilance. In a recent press release Gov. Whitmer and her office are reassuring Michiganders that they closely monitoring potential threats including the recent lawsuit by Right to Life Michigan challenging Proposition 3.

Governor: Lawsuit against Proposition 3 is a threat to IVF.

The governor’s office says Proposition 3, which was approved by voters in 2022, constitutionally safeguards women’s reproductive health care, including IVF, and that the outcome of the Alabama lawsuit could impact access to IVF and other reproductive healthcare in Michigan.

Gov. Whitmer has said in a statement, “Every American deserves the right to make decisions about their own body and family planning. However, recent legal developments, such as the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling and the lawsuit by Right to Life Michigan, threaten IVF, a crucial means for millions to have children each year.”

Whitmer administration will continue to defend abortion and family planning – even if patients are from out of state.

Gov. Whitmer goes on to say, “This is unacceptable. In Michigan, we will persist in defending reproductive freedom, ensuring families have diverse options for building or expanding their families. I am proud that Michiganders voted overwhelmingly to enshrine reproductive rights in our state constitution in 2022.”

The governor adds, ”I have also enacted an executive order protecting healthcare providers in Michigan from extradition when providing reproductive health care to out-of-state patients. We will remain vigilant, ensuring healthcare professionals can fulfill their duties without interference.”

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She continues, “We stand firm in defending your freedoms in Michigan. You have the right to make decisions in consultation with your doctor, free from interference by unelected officials. We’ve got your back, no matter what.”

Will IVF become an election issue?

Democrats around the country, including in Michigan, seem to be hoping that the IVF issue might draw people to the polls like the issue of abortion has in the past.

The Detroit News reports that removing the hopeful option of IVF from a generation of couples could be political suicide for pro-life Republicans.

And even when Republican politicians come out to support IVF, their political opponents point out past statements and hypocrisy. Michigan senatorial candidate Mike Rogers expressed his support for IVF on social media, but Democratic opponent Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly reminded him of his past backing of legislation that defines a human being to encompass “all stages of life” including but not limited to the moment of fertilization and cloning.

The Michigan Democratic Party also posted on the social media platform X that Rogers “pushed for a national abortion ban and co-sponsored four bills that could have banned IVF.”

Rogers, however, says in his post: “IVF has been critical to helping Americans grow their families and realize the blessing of life and parenthood. I oppose any and all efforts to restrict access to IVF – period.”