The Potential Threat of Political Interference on Frozen Embryos' Destiny

The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which stripped away the federal right to an abortion, has raised concerns among in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients about the fate of their frozen embryos. The ambiguity in the wording of restrictive abortion measures has left patients worried about potential restrictions on their rights over embryos. The options for unused embryos include destruction, donation to someone else, or donation for scientific research. However, the lack of federal funding for embryonic research and the patchwork of laws since the Dobbs decision have made the process more difficult. Patients are also emotionally conflicted about making a decision on embryo disposition, as it involves complex emotions and grief.