Nikki Haley, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, has
supported a recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that considers frozen
embryos as "children." In an NBC interview, Haley shared her own
experience with artificial insemination to have her son and emphasized her
belief that embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) should be
regarded as lives.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruling allows wrongful death lawsuits against a
fertility clinic to move forward. These lawsuits stem from an incident where a
patient accidentally dropped embryos, leading to their death due to freeze-burn
injuries.
Haley acknowledged the importance of having respectful conversations
about the court's decision and its potential impact on individuals seeking IVF
treatment. However, Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood
Votes, criticized Haley's position. Lawson accused her of aiming to ban all
abortions nationwide and argued that politicians like Haley are focused on
eroding reproductive freedom.
In the 2024 Republican presidential race, Haley is trailing behind Donald
Trump. She has previously advocated for states to determine abortion limits.
During her tenure as the governor of South Carolina, Haley signed a bill that
prohibits abortion at 20 weeks without exceptions for rape or incest.