Current:Home > NewsTwo couples drop wrongful death suit against Alabama IVF clinic and hospital -ProgressCapital
Two couples drop wrongful death suit against Alabama IVF clinic and hospital
View
Date:2025-04-18 00:59:13
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Two couples who sued a hospital and in-vitro fertilization clinic over the accidental destruction of their frozen embryos have dropped their lawsuit, months after Alabama’s supreme court ruled they could pursue wrongful death claims because embryos could be considered children.
Emily and James LePage and William and Caroline Fonde filed to dismiss their joint lawsuit against the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Jill Parish Phillips granted the dismissal with prejudice on Wednesday, barring the couples from pursuing the case in the future. A third couple also sued — their similar wrongful death claim has not been withdrawn and is still ongoing.
Lawyers for the LePages and Fondes did not explain why they’ve dropped their claims. Associated Press emails and phone messages seeking comment were not immediately returned.
The couples had paid to keep their embryos frozen in a hospital storage facility. A patient wandered in and removed several, dropping the embryos on the floor.
The case became a flashpoint in the abortion debate when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February that the couples could pursue wrongful death claims for the destruction of their “extrauterine children.”
Three large in-vitro fertilization clinics in Alabama closed immediately following the decision, citing liability concerns introduced when embryos are treated the same as children or gestating fetuses. After widespread, bipartisan backlash to the ruling, Alabama lawmakers passed a bill shielding doctors from legal liability for the destruction of embryos.
As recently as June, the three couples at the center of the legal battle also challenged the immunity bill, claiming that it was unconstitutional to apply a new statute to pending litigation, and that the law violated the state policy to recognize the “rights of unborn children, including the right to life.”
Lawyers for the IVF clinic and hospital could not be reached for comment.
—-
Safiyah Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- 'Wait Wait' for April 1, 2023: With Not My Job guest Michelle Rodriguez
- Michelle Rodriguez on fast cars and fiery dragons
- 'Wait Wait' for March 18, 2023: With Not My Job guest Sam Waterston
- Southern California rocked by series of earthquakes: Is a bigger one brewing?
- RHONJ Preview: Joe Gorga Slams Luis Ruelas Over Teresa Giudice's Wedding Snub
- 2023 Whiting Awards recognize 10 emerging writers
- 'Wait Wait' for April 15, 2023: With Not My Job guest Kaila Mullady
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend viewing
Ranking
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- The Best Presidents' Day Fashion Sales to Shop From Kate Spade, Coach, Free People & More
- Excerpts from the works of the 2023 Whiting Award winners
- 'Swarm' is about how we're doing fandom wrong
- Meet 11-year-old skateboarder Zheng Haohao, the youngest Olympian competing in Paris
- BAFTA Film Awards 2023: See the Complete List of Winners
- The 78 Best Amazon Deals to Shop During Presidents’ Day 2023
- Michelle Yeoh called out sexism in Hollywood. Will it help close the gender gap?
Recommendation
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Writer Rachel Pollack, who reimagined the practice of tarot, dies at 77
Wayfair Presidents' Day Sale: Shop Cuisinart, Home Decor, Furniture & More Deals Starting at $22
Heather Rae El Moussa Shares Newborn Son Had Jaundice and Tongue, Cheek and Lip Ties
NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations
Biden taps Lady Gaga to co-chair an arts advisory committee that dissolved under Trump
In 'The Teachers,' passion motivates, even as conditions grow worse for educators
See Pregnant Rihanna Work It in Plunging White Dress During Birthday Dinner With A$AP Rocky