To the editor: In their rush to save in vitro fertilization, Alabama lawmakers are overlooking a more sinister consequence of declaring an embryo a child. (“How Alabama’s IVF ruling unmasks the hypocrisy of anti-abortion zealots,” Opinion, March 3)
A fallopian tube pregnancy can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Obviously, it is best to treat this condition before it flares up.
But a doctor who does so is committing premeditated murder. Furthermore, the patient is an accomplice to the crime.
W. Benson Harer Jr., MD, Los Angeles
The writer is a past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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To the editor: Columnist Robin Abcarian infuriatingly captures Alabama Republicans' hypocritical reaction to the state Supreme Court's decision proclaiming that frozen embryos are “children.”
Yes, classism is evident, as IVF often serves those with access to tens of thousands of dollars. But there is something even more worrying.
Tim Melson, Republican chairman of the Alabama Senate Health Committee, quickly drafted legislation that said an embryo cannot be considered alive “unless and until the fertilized egg implants in a woman's uterus and a viable pregnancy.”
So does an embryo become something the government should regulate only if it affects a woman's body and future?
Transparently, the argument that a fetus has the same rights as the person carrying it has nothing to do with the sanctity of life. It's about controlling women.
Susan Goulding, Foca Beach
