When does life begin? In this episode of Stanford Legal, co-hosts Rich Ford and Pam Karlan dig into the recent decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that has sent shockwaves through the fertility treatment community. The ruling, which considers frozen embryos as children under state law, has wide-ranging implications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices. Bioethics and law expert Hank Greely joins the discussion, providing insights into the background of the case, its legal implications, and the potential ramifications for IVF clinics and patients in Alabama—and throughout the country. The conversation highlights the intersection of law, medicine, and ethics, revealing the complex challenges surrounding embryo rights and reproductive freedoms.
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(00:00:00) Chapter 1: Introduction & The Alabama Supreme Court Ruling
(00:03:43) Chapter 2: Wrongful Death Act & Implications of the Decision
(00:08:21) Chapter 3: Understanding Frozen Embryos
(00:14:05) Chapter 4: Legal and Ethical Concerns
(00:26:49) Chapter 5: Gender and Control Over Reproduction
(00:33:29) Chapter 6: Political Ramifications and Predictions