Sheri Berenbaum

State College

Recent events surrounding in vitro fertilization (IVF) emphasize how Republicans’ views of “life” depend on the political winds.

The Republican Party claims that “life begins at conception,” enacting draconian abortion bans with little concern for pregnant women.

In line with that position, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through IVF are “children.”

Fertility clinics in Alabama suspended services, fearing criminal liability; IVF treatment typically produces more fertilized embryos than are used, so some are destroyed.

The backlash was fierce. People undergoing IVF were outraged. A poll from a Republican consultant showed that 85% of Americans support IVF.

In light of the obvious repudiation of their “pro-life” position, Republicans backtracked, now condemning the Alabama decision. The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign arm of Senate Republicans, urged the party’s candidates to “clearly and concisely reject efforts by the government to restrict IVF.” (Never mind that the judge who wrote the Alabama decision is one of their own — a conservative Republican whose work helped overturn Roe and reverse women’s fundamental right to control their own bodies.)

So, what exactly is the GOP position on embryos? “Not children” when they are in a test tube, but “children” when they are in a woman’s body? How much clearer can Republicans be that their position on reproductive rights is not about the sanctity of life but rather about controlling women?

Americans see Republicans’ hypocrisy and disdain for women — and will vote accordingly.