Former Alabama Justice Faces Backlash from IVF Parents Over Controversial Ruling

Conservative IVF families launch campaign against Jay Mitchell's bid for state attorney general

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:51pm

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The former Alabama Supreme Court justice who wrote a controversial ruling that temporarily halted in vitro fertilization (IVF) services in the state is now running for state attorney general. A group of conservative IVF parents has banded together to try to stop him, accusing him of going against President Trump's support for IVF and arguing that he cannot be trusted with the powerful position of attorney general.

Why it matters

The attorney general's office would be responsible for enforcing state laws, including those related to reproductive health. The group of IVF parents is concerned that Mitchell's past ruling, which classified frozen embryos as people, could lead to further restrictions on IVF and other reproductive rights if he were elected.

The details

In 2024, Mitchell wrote the majority opinion in a ruling that classified frozen embryos as people, prompting three of Alabama's largest IVF treatment providers to halt care out of fear of wrongful death lawsuits. This decision led to widespread public outcry and an effort at the Alabama statehouse to pass a bill protecting IVF treatments, which was signed into law by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey. Now, a group of parents who relied on IVF to build their families has created 'Alabama Families for IVF,' a conservative grassroots coalition, to air ads against Mitchell's campaign for attorney general.

  • In 2024, Mitchell wrote the majority opinion in a ruling that classified frozen embryos as people.
  • Shortly after the 2024 ruling, the Alabama legislature passed a bill protecting IVF treatments, which was signed into law by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey.
  • Mitchell is currently running in the Republican primary for Alabama attorney general, which will take place on May 19, 2026.

The players

Jay Mitchell

A former Alabama Supreme Court justice who wrote the controversial ruling that temporarily halted in vitro fertilization (IVF) services in the state. He is now running for state attorney general.

Alabama Families for IVF

A conservative grassroots coalition of parents who relied on IVF to build their families. The group is airing ads against Mitchell's campaign for attorney general.

Kay Ivey

The Republican governor of Alabama who signed a bill protecting IVF treatments after the 2024 ruling.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who declared his support for IVF after the 2024 ruling and called on the Alabama legislature to find a solution to preserve the availability of IVF in the state.

Katelanne Fadalla

The chair of Alabama Families for IVF, an IVF parent who says the 2024 ruling was 'absolutely devastating' for families in the state.

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What they’re saying

“The attorney general's office is a very powerful position, and we cannot have someone in that position that has this kind of judgment.”

— Katelanne Fadalla, Chair of Alabama Families for IVF

“We cannot risk having someone in office with this much influence over Alabama legislation who has already demonstrated that they cannot think through the consequences of the words that they write.”

— Katelanne Fadalla, Chair of Alabama Families for IVF

“I support IVF. My opinion protected IVF families and upheld Alabama law, but woke liberals and my political opponents continue to push lies about this case because they know I will fearlessly advance President Trump's agenda as Alabama's next Attorney General.”

— Jay Mitchell

“We want to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, not harder — you know that. That includes — and you saw this was a big deal over the last few days — that includes supporting the availability of fertility treatments like IVF in every state in America.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Republican primary for Alabama attorney general, which includes Mitchell, will take place on May 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between conservative and progressive views on reproductive rights, as well as the potential impact of a state attorney general's office on issues like IVF access. The campaign by Alabama Families for IVF underscores the importance of electing officials who will uphold the rights of families seeking fertility treatments.