(The Center Square) – The Georgia House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that codifies in vitro fertilization into state law.
The bill had broad bipartisan support. It is sponsored by Rep. Lehman Franklin, R-Statesboro, who is expecting a child with his wife with the assistance of in vitro fertilization, also known as IVF.
“I’m incredibly proud of today’s passage of HB428 which ensures Georgians struggling with infertility will never have to question their ability to seek medical assistance with starting or growing their families,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “Thank you to Representative Franklin for championing these critical protections and to the members of the House who continue to support Georgia’s families every step of the way.”
Concerns about in vitro fertilization treatments were raised in 2024 after the Alabama Supreme Court declared that frozen embryos were human beings and that destroying them could constitute a wrongful death. Several states have moved to protect the treatments.
More than 2,300 children were conceived using IVF in 2021, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided by Burns. Nineteen percent of women have fertility issues, according to the statistics.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
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