The topic of unused, frozen embryos and their handling in IVF was rarely, if ever, addressed outside of anti-abortion and religious communities on the extreme end of the spectrum.

The talking points released advised Republicans to express their endorsement of a procedure that has the backing of many individuals who may not necessarily support abortion. This includes prominent figures like former Vice President Mike Pence. However, they have avoided addressing the more complex aspects of the issue, as there are disagreements within the anti-abortion community regarding the status of viable but unimplanted embryos and whether their destruction equates to abortion.

“I am aware of conflicting opinions within different groups. There is an effort to reach a consensus on a policy that satisfies everyone, but based on my past experiences, it is unlikely to occur,” stated an anonymous Republican strategist who collaborates with anti-abortion organizations. The source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. “I have personally or indirectly received input from numerous members of the House and Senate, all wondering what message they should be conveying at this time.”

In December, a poll from KA Consulting showed that 86 percent of respondents, including 78 percent of those who identify as “pro-life advocates” and 83 percent of Evangelical Christians, support access to IVF. According to the National Infertility Association, approximately one in six individuals will experience infertility in their lifetime.

Currently, we are facing difficulties with public perception and discussing IVF is not ideal,” stated John McCravy, a Republican representative in South Carolina who led a committee to create a state law banning abortion. “It is unfortunate for the pro-life movement that Alabama is facing opposition on this matter.”

As Republicans struggle, the liberal side is criticizing the Alabama ruling as being against families and bringing attention to the actions of three IVF clinics in the state that have temporarily stopped procedures due to concerns of potential legal consequences.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden stated that the court ruling was hindering families in their efforts to conceive by denying them access to necessary fertility treatments.

Biden expressed his dismay and disapproval of the lack of recognition given to women’s ability to make decisions for themselves and their families. He made it clear that the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade is to blame for this situation.

In response to the sudden restriction of access to IVF following a state Supreme Court decision, Republican leaders in Alabama hastily introduced legislation aimed at reopening clinics. One of the proposed bills, put forth by the Republican chair of the health committee, seeks to distinguish embryos created through IVF as “potential life” rather than “human life” until they are implanted in the uterus.

According to Republican Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, the recent state Supreme Court decision goes against the belief of Alabamians in protecting the rights of unborn children. This ruling has also denied numerous couples the chance to have children, which is a clear contradiction.

This is consistent with the approach taken by other states governed by conservatives when dealing with the matter of additional embryos. Following the Dobbs ruling, Tennessee’s Republican Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti released a statement clarifying that although the state’s abortion laws consider an embryo to be an “unborn child,” it does not forbid its disposal unless it is “alive…inside a woman’s body.”

It is against state law to dispose of any viable embryos.

“I am enthusiastic about this decision,” expressed Missouri Republican state Senator Denny Hoskins. He shared that he is currently contemplating potential legislation to propose. “There are individuals who struggle with conceiving and have utilized IVF and other fertility treatments to try and conceive. We empathize with them, but we must also acknowledge that life begins at conception. Therefore, these embryos should be considered a life.”

Some conservative organizations, such as Concerned Women for America, are embracing this stance.

“If you are not prepared to insert them,” stated Penny Nance, the leader and chief executive officer of the organization, “then I believe you should not produce them.”

This report was contributed by Alice Miranda Ollstein.