'Widespread fear and confusion': Alabama ruling that embryos are children could impact neighboring Georgia

In this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018 photo, containers holding frozen embryos and sperm are stored in liquid nitrogen at a fertility clinic in Fort Myers, Fla. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, a ruling critics said could have sweeping implications for fertility treatments. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos – or a fertilized egg before it develops into a fetus – are considered children under state law.

Abortion rights advocates worry that the ruling could have sweeping consequences for fertility treatments and health care across the state and other states that have passed, or are pushing, more restrictive abortion laws.

With Georgia being a neighboring state, patients and providers are raising questions about future options.