Alabama’s U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is leading a Senate GOP push to flip federal residency standards on abortion training, making participation “opt-in” instead of “opt-out” as the default.

Britt, who is a strong pro-life advocate in Congress, joined many of her colleagues in the Senate to introduce the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act, which stablishes clear federal protections, so residents are not forced to choose between their moral or religious beliefs and their careers.

“There should never be an instance where a medical student or resident is forced to choose between their deeply held moral or religious convictions and their careers,” Britt said. “Our legislation simply lets residents opt in, rather than be forced to opt out, of training that violates their consciences.”

Under current rules from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, residents are allowed to opt out of abortion training, but the opt-out system puts pressure on trainees to participate in procedures that violate their moral or religious beliefs. Residents often fear that opting out could affect evaluations, recommendations, or future career opportunities.

“I will always fight to protect life,” Britt continued, “and I’m proud to support this bill that would safeguard the values of aspiring medical professionals as they learn and thrive.”

The legislation replaces the opt-out system with an opt-in system, while also ensuring residents can choose whether to participate in abortion training and protects them from discrimination or retaliation if they decline.

U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), who cosponsored the bill, echoed Britt’s sentiments on the issue.

“Medical residents should never be pressured to violate their beliefs in order to finish their training or advance in their careers,” Lankford said.

“Many went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine. Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.”

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are also cosponsors of this legislation.

The following organizations support the bill: AAPLOG Action, SBA, ADF, AUL, NRLC, CURE, CatholicVote, Vitae Foundation, Human Coalition, March for Life Action, Heartbeat International, SFLA Action, CWALAC, ERLC, Live Action, Heritage Action, FPA, Liberty Counsel, FRC, and Liberty Counsel Action.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is surprised that a generic abortion drug was approved under the Trump administration.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a generic form of mifepristone, one of the two medications used most to carry out abortions in the U.S.

The FDA said the generic version “therapeutically equivalent” to the brand-name version, Mifeprex, which has been available in the U.S. since 2000.

Aderholt, who is staunchly pro-life, said he hopes the Department of Health and Human Services will reverse that decision.

The congressman discussed this Tuesday on “Washington Watch.”

“Yeah, that was very disappointing. I’ll just be honest with you,” Aderholt said. “Coming out of the Trump administration, of course, this was under the watch of the current Secretary of Health and Human Services that caught us all by surprise. We were not expecting that.”

The pill is made by Evita Solutions, a company that claims on its website that “the medical community in recognizing the utility and freedom that medical abortion provides patients.”

Aderholt said no form of the drug mifepristone should be used ever.

“The drug is not safe, and it is whether it’s generic or whether it’s a non generic drug,” he argued. “This performs an abortion, and it is very dangerous for the mother, and it is just something that I is very puzzling to us, and we’re trying to get the bottom of it.”

Aderholt said he will join other members of Congress in trying and fight against this decision.

“Members of Congress are coming out, right and left in support of us, trying to get the Department of Health and Human Services to pull this back,” he said. “So I don’t know what happened over there at the Department of Health and Human Services, but I this is not something that I think most people who voted for Donald Trump would have expected.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee.

A Madison restaurant owner is hoping he can unseat the current Democrat who represents his district in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Wednesday, Republican Aaron Thomas, who’s family owns several restaurants across North Alabama, announced his candidacy for the Alabama District 10 House seat.

“I believe in limited government, strong families, and the God-given freedoms that define who we are as Americans.” Thomas stated. “These aren’t just talking points to me — they’re the principles that shape how I live, raise my kids, and run my business.”

At 16, Thomas landed his first job at a local pizza restaurant, which restaurant he now owns alongside his family after he took over the business when his mentor retired. Thomas is also an Eagle Scout.

“As a husband, father, business owner, and neighbor, I want a future for Alabama where freedom is protected, opportunity is earned, and values still matter,” Thomas said.

The small business owner will be going up against incumbent State Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Madison), who won in 2024 after campaigning against Alabama’s abortion ban.

Aaron is married to Amy Thomas, who are raising two daughters, ages seven and four.

Thomas said he is committed to providing jobs and economic opportunities across Madison County and to serving the people of Rocket City with integrity and devotion.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) is defending his colleague State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) against criticism about a bill regarding In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Yarbrough filed HB518, also known as the Prenatal Equal Protection Act among other bills on personal choice and pro-life issues. The legislation was assigned to the Health Committee chaired by Lee.

“Lee reached out to me to offer an amendment that would make IVF a standalone issue and separate from my bill,” Yarbrough said Wednesday in a statement. “I chose not to move forward at this time because of concerns around IVF legislation that we passed last session and how that affected the personhood discussion.”

Gov. Kay Ivey signed IVF protections legislation in 2024, after it received overwhelming support from the Alabama Legislature.

Lee has been attacked online in a coordinated fashion by special interest groups, including the Foundation to Abolish Abortion and End Abortion Alabama. A news report today detailed how groups are repetitively using the word “murder” and equating State Rep. Lee to being in favor of abortion.

Yarborough, who is closely affiliated with End Abortion Alabama, said those attacks are “patently false.”

“There have subsequently been groups that have sent out emails to legislators or spread information accusing Chairman Lee of murder,” Yarbrough said. “This is patently false as well as destructive to a good cause and his sincere efforts regarding this legislation.”

Yarbrough said he wants to address the IVF issue in the future, but now believes it should be address in separate legislation.

“I would like to publicly thank Chairman Lee for his willingness to engage in this conversation as well as future legislation regarding prenatal personhood and pro-life IVF and publicly condemn accusations of murder as unfair, inaccurate, and unhelpful to a good cause,” He argued. “There is a proper and professional way for elected officials and citizens to engage in the legislative process. I ask that you cease and desist these attacks on Rep. Lee.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

A federal judge has ruled that Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall cannot prosecute individuals or organizations aiding women leaving the state to obtain abortions.

The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson, came after an abortion fund and healthcare providers filed a lawsuit challenging statements and a brief filed by Marshall in 2023. The judge concluded that prosecuting such assistance would violate constitutional rights.

“The court has found that the Attorney General’s threatened prosecutions violate the right to travel and the First Amendment,” Thomson stated. “But the broader, practical implications of the Attorney General’s threats should not be overlooked. If Alabama held the power its Attorney General asserts here, it is hard to envision a limiting principle besides what the Attorney General personally sees as permissible and impermissible.”

Although Marshall had previously indicated the possibility of pursuing legal action against those facilitating out-of-state abortions, no prosecutions have taken place.

In Alabama, abortion is banned at any stage of pregnancy without exceptions.

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office said that it is currently “reviewing the decision to determine the State’s options.”

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.

As thousands of pro-life activists march on Washington D.C., members of Alabama’s Republican Congressional delegation are showing their support for the pro-life, anti-abortion cause.

The annual March for Life kicked off Friday, with Vice President J.D. Vance speaking at the event, and President Donald Trump giving a speech to the rally goers via video.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) released a video on X Friday morning, telling pro-life activists to never give up on the fight for life.

To the thousands of Americans – including many Alabamians – marching in today’s @March_For_Life, THANK YOU.

Keep marching, keep using your voices, and keep fighting until EVERY human life is protected. pic.twitter.com/hj3t9aPglb

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said she “keep fighting alongside” those against abortion.

Grateful for the volunteers and supporters of @March_for_Life who advocate tirelessly for life. I’ll keep fighting alongside you in the Senate through legislation like our MOMS Act, supporting moms and children at every stage. pic.twitter.com/TtG3e3TWOP

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 24, 2025

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) released the following statement in support of the Washington, DC March for Life:

“I have always and will always fight for the lives of unborn children, and I am elated to finally have an ally in this fight in the White House. Today, many Alabamians will gather on the National Mall with a renewed sense of optimism in the understanding that the dark days of Roe v. Wade are behind us. It has never been clearer to me that our state deeply cares for these innocent lives. There is still work to be done, and I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues in Congress and with President Trump to be a voice for the voiceless.”

RELATED: ‘We look forward to the reinstatement of Trump policies on life’: Alabama Republicans join colleagues in letter addressed to White House:

The D.C. rally is happening just days after House Republicans passed the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” The bill that would require health care practitioners to provide the “same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence” for a child born alive during a botched abortion, as they would during normal childbirth.

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said he “proudly” supported the bill.

“I proudly voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act because I believe innocent lives deserve to be protected. It should not be controversial for a baby to receive life-saving medical care after surviving a botched abortion. This should be common sense. When a baby is born alive, it should be entitled to the same critical medical care as any other living, breathing newborn,” Palmer said. “By voting against this bill, Democrats are saying that the lives of these survivors are disposable. I firmly believe that no life is disposable, and I will continue to work to advance pro-life policies.”

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) believes the legislation shouldn’t have been this hard to pass.

Proud to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to ensure infants born alive after an attempted abortion will receive the same level of care as a newborn. It’s a shame that it took so long to pass, but I’m glad that @HouseGOP got it done.

— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) January 23, 2025

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said “I will never stop fighting for the rights of the unborn.”

pic.twitter.com/1cwDs6mxDL

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 23, 2025

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Republican lawmakers from Alabama have many reasons to celebrate a second term for President Donald Trump, but they are especially grateful to see the return of his pro-life policies to the White House.

In a letter sent to the newly inaugurated president, elected officials from Alabama including U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), along with Congressmen Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), and Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), joined their fellow conservative colleagues in encouraging Trump to reinstate and broaden life-affirming pro-life policies in the early days of his new administration.

“Over the last four years, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their administration systematically weaponized the government against the unborn, their mothers, and pro-life Americans—doing their very best to erase every trace of life-affirming victories from your first administration,” the lawmakers wrote. “We look forward to the reinstatement of Trump policies on life in the first days of your second term, getting the country back to a life-affirming, whole-of-government approach to supporting pregnant and parenting women and their children, born and unborn.”

“We are grateful that the Trump administration can bring an end to the weaponization of the United States government against pro-life Americans and unborn children. We believe there is a better way forward for our Republic. We are hopeful for a future where women are given real choices and real support: a future that gives pregnant and parenting women the resources they need to embrace life without feeling the pressure to abort their child. We urge you to seek ways to provide this future to all Americans. The life, safety, freedom, and health of the millions of Americans, born and unborn, depend on it.”

RELATED: Aderholt: Protecting the most vulnerable

Congressman Aderholt helped lead the letter addressed to Trump.

“I look forward to working with President Trump to roll back the radical abortion policies of the Biden Administration,” Aderholt said, “and reinstate the pro-life, pro-family agenda we worked so hard on during President Trump’s first term!”

I look forward to working with President Trump to roll back the radical abortion policies of the Biden Administration and reinstate the pro-life, pro-family agenda we worked so hard on during President Trump’s first term! https://t.co/U7fvzqoT1W

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 22, 2025

The letter was led by chairs of the Senate and House Pro-Life Caucuses, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), along with the chairs of the Values Action Teams, Aderholt and U.S. Rep. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

7. Abortion ballot measures were meant to help Democrats across the country, it appears that may not have happened. In Florida, the ballot initiative failed even though it received 55% of the vote (60% needed to pass) BUT Trump dominated the state. Arizona’s Proposition 139, guaranteeing a right to abortion before fetal viability, passed, and Colorado’s Amendment 79 also passed enshrining a right to abortion and permitting public funds for related healthcare.

6. Birmingham City Councilman J.T. Moore apologized at a council meeting for his DUI arrest over the weekend, acknowledging his responsibility for the incident involving a city vehicle. Moore, chair of the Community Development Committee and a Public Safety Committee member, expressed regret but said he was “proud” to take accountability for his actions. Fellow councilman Clinton Woods offered support, acknowledging Moore’s courage to face the council and encouraging him to learn and move forward, even though it is unlikely a normal city employee could get support after a mistake like this.

5. Every Alabama ballot had an amendment related to Franklin County Schools being able to utilize land owned by the school system in Franklin and Walker counties for commercial development. It passed easily. An amendment in Cullman County would have taxed medical cannabis an additional 15% for additional personnel for the district attorney and mental health issues, but it failed 51.4-48.6. Also, Marshall County voters decided to become a “wet” county by voting 73.78% to 26.22%.

4. U.S. Rep. Barry Moore made a statement on Election Day by arriving at his polling place in a garbage truck, symbolizing his opposition to recent comments by President Biden, who reportedly referred to Trump supporters as “garbage.” Moore, who founded a garbage company, said his choice was a “friendly reminder” to voters of what he believes Washington, D.C., thinks of “everyday America.” Running for Alabama’s District 1 seat after redistricting, Moore emphasized that Election Day is “the true day to take out trash” and he won his seat easily.

3. Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate and are aiming for a House majority, positioning themselves for unified power alongside President-elect Donald Trump. Trump celebrated the Senate victory as a strong mandate, with early wins in states like West Virginia and Ohio giving the GOP momentum. Key Senate losses for Democrats included incumbent Sens. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana.

2. Shomari Figures, a black Democrat, won Alabama’s newly redrawn Second Congressional District which was drawn for a black Democrat, defeating Republican Caroleene Dobson. The district was reshaped last year following a Supreme Court ruling that found Alabama’s prior map likely discriminated against Black voters. Figures’ victory marks a historic shift, as Alabama’s congressional delegation now includes two black representatives for the first time.

1. Donald J. Trump was elected the 47th president early Wednesday, securing victory with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, surpassing 270 electoral votes. His win marks a major comeback after losing to Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020. Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat reflects another “historic” opportunity for a female Democratic nominee. Harris plans to address the nation later in the day as the post-mortem continues.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.

(more…)

7. Huntsville City Councilman Devyn Keith is a thief but stealing from multiple Walmarts across the city and in his district has still not cost him his re-election as a city councilman. Keith almost lost his seat to Huntsville City School Board Member Michelle Watkins, who went after the seat because Keith ran after his issues arrived and he pled guilty.

6. The government will slow down the mail, to make it better. The U.S. Postal Service is proposing a plan to save up to $3 billion annually by allowing some mail and packages, especially those bound for rural or remote areas, to remain in distribution hubs for an extra day in order to to save the USPS and reduce costs, carbon emissions, and truck trips through neighborhoods. This would prioritize service for locations within 50 miles of a processing center, potentially speeding up delivery times for those areas and most mail would arrive within five days.

5. Special Counsel Jack Smith is attempting to take another bite at the apple in order to attempt to make the politically motivated Jan. 6 charges against former President Donald Trump stick with a revised indictment against Trump, focusing on his alleged efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. The updated indictment narrows the charges by removing references to Trump’s interactions with Department of Justice officials, reflecting a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants former presidents immunity for official acts as Trump continues to face charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., obstructing an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

4. Reporters are apparently helping Vice President Kamala Harris find the safest venue for her first interview, and apparently it is to sit down with CNN’s Dana Bash, but Harris will be brining her emotional support vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. This will do little to stop people from questioning why Harris won’t talk issue with journalists or on the stump. The criticism will likely shift to questions about her inability to do a solo interview as her attempt to moderate her views through surrogates and the media.

3. Football is safe, according to veteran doctor and AHSAA medical director James Robinson who addressed concerns about football safety following the recent deaths of two high school players in Alabama. While acknowledging the unusual occurrence of two deaths early in the season, Robinson maintained that football remains a safe sport, citing stable death rates according to national data. He emphasized that protocols such as mandatory preparticipation physical exams, parental risk assessment, CPR and AED training for coaches, and the presence of emergency action plans help mitigate risks.

The Republican National Committee has released its 2024 platform, now just months away from the November election. In the new plan of action are several tenets meant to restore “common sense” in both politics and policy.

It marks the first time that the party has strongly and succinctly revised its public mission since 2016.

“For decades, our politicians sold our jobs and livelihoods to the highest bidders overseas with unfair trade deals and a blind faith in the siren song of globalism,” reads the preamble of the platform. “They insulated themselves from criticism and the consequences of their own bad actions, allowing our borders to be overrun, our cities to be overtaken by crime, our system of justice to be weaponized, and our young people to develop a sense of hopelessness and despair.”

“They rejected our history and our values. Quite simply, they did everything in their power to destroy our country.”

The 2024 GOP platform, dedicated to the “forgotten men and women of America,” is listed below:

• Seal the border, and stop the migrant invasion
• Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history
• End inflation, and make America affordable again
• Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far
• Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower
• Large tax cuts for workers, and no tax on tips
• Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms
• Prevent World War Three, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great Iron Dome missile defense shield over our entire country — all made in America
• End the weaponization of government against the American people
• Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders
• Rebuild our cities, including Washington D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again
• Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world
• Keep the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency
• Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age
• Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations
• Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children
• Keep men out of women’s sports
• Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again
• Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship
• Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success

The platform is scheduled to be formally adopted at the Republican National Convention on July 15.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) criticized the Biden administration Monday for using America’s justice system to go after their Republican opponents.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1810362799077601525

In an op-ed for The Daily Signal, the senator said the recent conviction against former President Donald Trump is just one of many examples of Democrats using lawfare against conservatives.

“President Joe Biden and his administration have intentionally weaponized the judicial system to target Republicans while protecting Democrats,” Tuberville said. “Since taking office, Biden has used taxpayer resources to attack conservative parents on school boards, Catholics, and pro-life advocates. And that’s in addition to the blatant attempt to jail Biden’s top political opponent during an election year.”

Tuberville’s criticism comes after a Tennessee judge went against the Biden administration’s wishes last week and said a pro-life activist Paul Vaughn will not serve time in prison for trying to stop abortions from taking place at an abortion clinic.

“The sham New York v. Trump case is perhaps one of the most egregious examples of the Left’s weaponization of justice,” Tuberville continued. “Whether you consider the lopsided jury, the gag order issued to silence only former President Donald Trump, the prosecution’s failure to describe the underlying criminal allegations, or the lack of a unanimous verdict required for conviction, this ‘trial’ was a complete joke and a massive waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Tuberville said there’s an obvious double standard in cases brought Biden’s Justice Department.

“[T]he Biden administration has stood by while terrorist-sympathizing activists have taken over college campuses across the country in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, he said. “Columbia and other universities were overrun by violent protesters who harassed Jewish students, trespassed on private property, and prevented students from getting to class. What did Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg do in response? His office announced they were dropping all charges against the 30 students and staff arrested for breaking the law.”

The senator concluded that he will continue to oppose the Biden administration agenda until the weaponization against conservatives is stopped.

“Enough is enough,” he said. “I refuse to stand by while Biden and his allies try to destroy our country as we know it. That’s why I signed a pledge with several of my Republican colleagues stating that we will not allow fast-tracking of Biden’s judicial and U.S. attorney nominees through Election Day. We will not be complicit in the White House’s mission to pack our courts with activist judges who only follow the law when it benefits Democrats. I will continue to oppose the Biden administration until American voters have the opportunity to reject Biden’s attempts to impose his political agenda through the justice system.”

Tuberville signed a pledge earlier this year that said “The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) hit back at President Joe Biden Wednesday after the White House put out a statement mentioning Alabama.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1800987078739509688

The administration released a statement in support of Senate passage of S. 4445, the Right to IVF Act.

“When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade nearly two years ago, it paved the way for Republican elected officials’ extreme, out-of-touch agenda, which has eroded access to reproductive health care for families across the country,” the statement said. “Women are being turned away from emergency rooms and forced to travel hundreds of miles for health care, while doctors and nurses fear prosecution for providing the care they were trained to provide.”

The release then mentioned the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling on IVF.

RELATED: Britt on IVF: ‘While Democrats prioritize scaring families, Republicans will continue to fight for families’

“And, earlier this year, an Alabama Supreme Court decision put access to fertility treatments at risk for families who were desperately trying to get pregnant, shuttering fertility clinics across the state,” the statement continued. “The disregard for the ability of women to make these decisions for themselves and their families is outrageous and unacceptable.”

The president was referring to a landmark ruling in which the Alabama Supreme Court declared that under state law, frozen embryos can be considered children, making individuals responsible for their destruction legally accountable.

Tuberville reacted to Biden’s statement, calling it disinformation.

“This is a bold-faced lie. Republicans are pro-life and pro-family,” Tuberville said. “Joe Biden wants this election to be about abortion because he can’t talk about sky-high inflation, the wide-open border, dangerous crime, or his disastrous foreign policy. No one in Alabama—or any other state—wants to ban IVF. In fact, I was proud that the Alabama legislature took immediate action and Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation to make sure IVF is protected and available for Alabama families. Voters will see through this in November.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1800975362387509621

Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill in March that gives immunity to IVF patients and providers.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

On Tuesday, Democratic nominee to Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District, Shomari Figures, announced the official support from Planned Parenthood, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, and New Democrat Coalition Action Fund.

According to a campaign release, the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee strives to increase the number of Black Members in the U.S. Congress while also supporting Non-Black Candidates who will champion the needs and interests of the Black Community.

“In its 200-year history, Alabama has never had two Black members of Congress at the same time – leaving the priorities of millions of Black voters unrepresented in Washington, said CBCPAC Chairman Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY).

“This November, winning in AL-02 is mission critical. By electing Shomari Figures, we have an opportunity to make history and amplify voices that for too long have gone ignored. We look forward to welcoming Shomari to congress and tapping into his experience working in all three branches of the federal government – including in President Obama’s Administration – to advance policies that put Alabama, our communities and our country in better, stronger standing.”

RELATED: Shomari Figures wins Democratic runoff in Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District

In an interview with Punchbowl News, Figures warned against complacency, despite the Democratic lean of the new seat. “People need to know that this is a race. This is not a coronation,” Figures said. He added that Governor Kay Ivey carried the district in the 2022 election cycle.

As also noted by Punchbowl, “Alabama’s 2nd District is a significant chance for Democrats to flip a previously GOP-held seat. Given the small House Republican majority, Figures said his election could be the race that gives Hakeem Jeffries the speaker’s gavel.”

Figures, a University of Alabama and University of Alabama School of Law graduate, served in appointments across the Obama administration since 2008, including in the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Justice. In November, he’ll face Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson.

Last month, Reuters highlighted the contest as one of eleven House races to watch.

Alongside the endorsements rolled out by Figures included the support from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which promotes three core philosophies as it relates to abortion, according to their website: “Abortion is Health Care. Abortion is Common. Abortion Is a Basic Right.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is condemning President Joe Biden for using veterans to push his administration’s progressive agenda.

Earlier this year, Tuberville introduced the VA Abortion Transparency Act to impose new abortion reporting requirements on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create more transparency for taxpayers.

“Congress has spoken,” Tuberville said in a statement. “The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 clearly prohibits the VA from providing abortion services of any kind. For the Biden administration to twist the law into something other than what Congress intended and force the cost on the taxpayer is a disgrace. Our veterans deserve a VA that is 100% focused on ensuring they receive timely and quality care, not on implementing Joe Biden’s abortion-on-demand agenda. I am proud to introduce this bill that provides much needed transparency for taxpayers and holds the VA accountable.”

RELATED: Tuberville: ‘Everything we have in this country depends on our military’

The senator, who sits on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, put the bill forward in response to the announcement in 2022 that the VA would begin facilitating abortions for veterans and their dependents through the taxpayer-funded VA health care system.

Tuberville once again criticized the policy Tuesday in an op-ed for the National Review.

“The VA is one of few agencies in the federal government that has largely stayed above the political fray. Even during times of political upheaval, the U.S. has continued its tradition of prioritizing care for the men and women who have sacrificed for our country,” Tuberville wrote. “Unfortunately, President Biden’s VA has lost sight of its core mission. Veterans, many of whom experience notoriously long wait times to receive care through the VA, now grapple with an administration that prioritizes a progressive agenda over their benefits.”

Tuberville said the Biden administration is pushing this new abortion policy in violation of the law.

“Two years ago, President Biden’s VA announced it would begin facilitating taxpayer-funded abortions at VA medical centers and through community-care providers in direct violation of a 1992 law that explicitly prohibits the VA from doing so,” Tuberville argued. “While members of Congress have submitted numerous inquiries seeking data surrounding the implementation of the new policy, the VA has refused to answer basic questions such as the number of abortions facilitated through the VA, the methods through which the abortions are being conducted, the number of gestational weeks at which point the abortions are occurring, or even how much this new policy is costing the American people.”

He also accused Biden of putting partisan politics of the well-being of American veterans.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time the VA has prioritized Joe Biden’s woke agenda over providing timely and quality care to veterans…This is an absolute disgrace — and a slap in the face to our veterans who deserve the best care our country has to offer,” he said. “Sadly, this decision from the VA is just one of many in which veterans are not put first under President Biden.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

7. More election charges, as another day of legal issues for former President Donald Trump takes place in a courtroom in New York City and in Washington, D.C., in this instance Trump is an unindicted co-conspirator as 11 individuals in Arizona facing charges related to submitting false elector certificates. The charges are linked to an alleged scheme in which fake electors purportedly cast votes for Donald Trump, but it is far more complicated than that. They are people who offered an alternate slate of electors if the state’s votes were overturned and this is more lawfare.

6. People are very happy with Gov. Kay Ivey and she has been ranked as the fifth most-popular governor in the nation, with a 64% approval rating and 30% offering an unfavorable opinion. Four of the top 5 popular governors are Republicans with Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky finishing fourth and the least popular governor in the nation is Oregon Democrat Tim Kotek.

5. Abortion views have changed, with a Quinnipiac University poll showing 66% of Americans now supporting legal abortion in some or all cases, the highest level of support ever recorded by the poll’s two-decade history, giving Democrats rocket fuel to continue obsessing over this issue. To further drive this point home, Arizona has now changed course and repealed the 1864 law banning all abortions and trying to revert to a reasonable 15-week ban.

4. The Alabama House Judiciary Committee has moved a bill that would charge parents with a crime if a kid brings an unsecured firearm to school and requires the parent to “store a firearm in his or her possession or under his or her control in a manner that reasonably secures the firearm from unauthorized or unlawful access by a minor.” Strangely, the proposed crime would be a Class A misdemeanor and securing the gun could mean trigger locks or locking them in locked boxes or gun safes that require a key, combination, or fingerprint to open

3. The Laken Riley Act has moved out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and would allow/require local officials to work with the federal government and keep track of illegal immigrants committing crimes in Alabama; it does not allow for targeting of individuals who aren’t accused of committing crimes. The namesake of the bill was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, who, according to police, abducted her while she was jogging on the UGA campus.

2. Alabama’s U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), are explaining their positions on $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Britt voted for an “imperfect bill” that she says was needed to keep America safe while Tuberville did not vote. But, on the Senate floor said, “The war in Ukraine is at a stalemate. Pouring MORE MONEY into Ukraine’s coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life.” Some good news for Alabama comes from the passage of the bill – missiles from Alabama are going to Ukraine, a fact highlighted by President Joe Biden himself when he noted “Javelins made in Alabama” will be used to restock our stockpile after we ship it to Ukraine.

1. College protests spread from Columbia to Texas. They want Palestine to be free but while most colleges cave to these clowns, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott takes a different tack by calling for the mob to be expelled, and even USC in California has cops taking batons to the mob. Auburn’s head basketball coach Bruce Pearl is calling all of this out and summarizing it better than most politicians: “Once again, please take these people at their word: ‘We will seize our universities and force the administration to divest, for the people of Gaza!’ Hamas and the people of Gaza attacked Israel, murdered 1,200 and still hold hundreds of innocent hostage.”

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.

There is no doubt that the Republican Party has had a rough time uniting behind a single message when it comes to abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Recently former President Donald Trump said he believes it should be solely a states’ issue decided by the “will of the people” in those states. Trump’s comments caused some pushback from other Republicans like U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) who have been pushing for some federal restrictions on abortion.

It seems many Republicans are now afraid to take a strong pro-life stance because they’re afraid Democrats will be successful in using the issue against the GOP in November.

They fear more results like the Alabama State House election in March, where Democrat Marilyn Lands gained national attention when she flipped the seat with a campaign focused on abortion.

Instead of trying to avoid a tough stance on abortion, Republican politicians should take a lesson from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt.

Earlier this week, Britt (R-Montgomery) sparred with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra over the Biden administration’s on abortion.

The Biden Administration has made it clear: they have no red line when it comes to taking the life of an unborn child.

And now—they’re admitting they want hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. I won’t stop fighting to preserve the Hyde Amendment.pic.twitter.com/KjySWgfeFN

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) April 16, 2024

Britt called out the administration for taking out any mention of the Hyde Amendment from the HHS budget requests.

“And I just believe when we’re talking about budgets,” Britt said, “I want you to know where I’m coming from and why I believe wholeheartedly, with every ounce of me, that we have to preserve the Hyde Amendment.”

This is the first lesson from Britt on how to push back against the pro-abortion left. While there might be some disagreements on abortion restrictions, all Republicans should at the very least be able to unite behind the idea that no taxpayer funds should go towards paying for them.

Britt went even further, also pointing out how extreme the Democrat party has been on the issue.

“So they actually deliver the baby breach and then have to put scissors up the baby’s neck, open it up, and then suck out the brain, so that they’re able to get the head through the birth canal,” she explained. “Then there’s also the opportunity to go in and actually put a needle in that child’s heart and kill that child if that child is then delivered alive. Do you believe that that child on that table, that we should be able to save that child? Or do you believe that our taxpayer dollars give this woman the right to say, don’t save my child?

“There are still seven states in this country and the District of Columbia that allow us to do that. We’re one of like seven nations that allow that to take place on our soil. Two of the other nations are North Korea and China.”

While Democrats are currently on a mission to try and paint the GOP as radicals, Britt exposes the truth of who the true radicals are in Congress. She points out that most Democrats are unwilling to say what the cut off should be when it comes to legal abortions, which essentially means they believe abortions should be available up to the moment of birth. That is something all Republicans can oppose.

These are the main pro-life messages that could unite Republicans. Unfortunately the party has missed opportunities in the past. They could have united behind Tuberville’s military holds over government funds going to abortions in the military, but instead they caved. Now Trump is undermining the pro-life message in Arizona and Florida. It’s sad to see.

The GOP needs to learn from Britt, point out how Democrats want to use taxpayer funds for abortions that could possible happen right up to the moment of birth. That’s an effective message the can win elections.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) slammed the Biden Administration Tuesday for openly trying to work against Hyde Amendment and use taxpayer funds for abortions.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra recently testified in front of the U.S. Senate about funding requests for healthcare. Britt questioned Becerra about the administration’s pro-abortion stances.

The Biden Administration has made it clear: they have no red line when it comes to taking the life of an unborn child.

And now—they’re admitting they want hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. I won’t stop fighting to preserve the Hyde Amendment.pic.twitter.com/KjySWgfeFN

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) April 16, 2024

“[Y]our answer kept being ‘Roe v. Wade’ and ‘Roe v. Wade,’ and ‘I want that to be the law of the land.’ So, let’s just stipulate that your hypothetical is the truth,” Britt said. “If Roe v. Wade were the law of the land and a woman wanted to take the life of her child the day before her child was due, or the day after her child was due, then you support her ability to choose to do that. Is that correct?”

After Becerra didn’t answer the question directly, Britt pressed even further.

“No. I’ve stipulated: Roe v Wade is part is law of the land,” she said. “So, there’s seven states in this country and the District of Columbia that allow you to take the life of a child the moment before a child is born. So clearly you support a woman’s right to choose to do that.”

RELATED: Britt, Tuberville join ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’

Becerra then responded that Britt’s example was “fiction,” which cause the senator to push back.

“If it actually is fiction, then why not say no? That, that’s out of the realm of possibility, that no woman would think to be able to do that,” Britt said. “Because the truth is, if you say that taxpayer dollars should go to fund abortions, then you’re saying that my taxpayer dollars should go to fund something like that. And if that’s unthinkable, then why don’t you just say it’s unthinkable?

“And in fact, then we can just take it off the table and not allow that to be legal,” she added. “Because the truth is, when you do that…I’m going to read this to you. ‘In particular, when these abortions occur, the gruesome surgical techniques involve crushing, dismembering, and removal of the fetal body.’

“So they actually deliver the baby breach and then have to put scissors up the baby’s neck, open it up, and then suck out the brain, so that they’re able to get the head through the birth canal. Then there’s also the opportunity to go in and actually put a needle in that child’s heart and kill that child if that child is then delivered alive. Do you believe that that child on that table, that we should be able to save that child? Or do you believe that our taxpayer dollars give this woman the right to say, don’t save my child?”

The senator then emphasized the she will always work to preserve the Hyde Amendment.

“I just think when we’re talking about this and you’re saying so boldly ‘no – taxpayer dollars go (to fund abortions)’, and you actually won’t answer the question when it comes to Roe v Wade, and I’m saying, I’ll stipulate that your hypothetical is the case,” she said. “There are still seven states in this country and the District of Columbia that allow us to do that. We’re one of like seven nations that allow that to take place on our soil. Two of the other nations are North Korea and China. And I just believe when we’re talking about budgets, I want you to know where I’m coming from and why I believe wholeheartedly, with every ounce of me, that we have to preserve the Hyde Amendment.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Voters in House District 10 in Madison County go to the polls on Tuesday to vote for their next State Representative. The special election pits Democratic nominee Marilyn Lands against Republican Teddy Powell.

Marilyn Lands has made national headlines for her hard progressive stances on social issues in bright red Alabama. Lands has taken staunchly pro-abortion and anti-gun positions and is campaigning as an openly social liberal candidate.

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Birmingham) has been on the ground in the district campaigning for Lands.

“I’m here for her,” Jones said. “This is a big race. This community has an opportunity to send someone to the state legislature who cares about the entire community.”

“I believe it’ll send a strong message across the state and the country that Alabama is ready to move in a new, positive direction,” Jones said.

RELATED: When CNN decided to send a reporter to Alabama to cover the HD10 race, they decided to make it all about their pet issues

Lands has expressed her opposition to the Alabama voters’ decision to declare that life begins at conception in a recent amendment to the state conception.

“It just seems wrong that we have taken a giant leap backwards there,” Lands said. “Alabama’s no exceptions abortion ban is putting lives at risk. We must repeal this legislation, and if I’m elected on March 26th, I’ll work tirelessly to do just that.”

That stance has earned Lands the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Southeast and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

“Parenthood’s endorsement of our campaign highlights the stark contrast in this race,” Lands said. “With your help and support, I’ll be a champion for reproductive healthcare in Montgomery.”

Her staunch anti-guns stand has earned her the endorsement of anti-second amendment rights group Every Town for Gun Safety.

Lands lost in 2022 to David Cole, 51.6 to 45% with Libertarian Elijah Boyd drawing 3.4%. However, Lands thinks this time is different.

“I think this being a special election will be very different,” Lands said. “Democrats tend to fare better in specials. And we’ve got some momentum with having run a campaign and I feel like we can turn our people back out this time.”

Cole beat Lands even though it was widely reported that Cole did not live in the district as it was redrawn following the 2020 census and voters voted for him over Lands anyway.

RELATED: ‘Real and Honest’: Powell releases first campaign video for North Alabama special election

Where Cole was a first-time candidate from outside the district, Teddy Powell is a known commodity in district 10, having served two terms on the Madison City Council solving problems and serving the people of the district.

Powell also served on the Finance Subcommittee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Industrial Development Board and the Historic Review Board. He has been a former employee of the City of Madison and has started and owned several small businesses.

“I will work hard for you like I have the last seven years,” Powell says. “I am ready to go to work solving real problem like: Getting inflation under control, keeping our economy going, and getting our kids the best education.”

Powell underscored that his priorities include maintaining one of the top school systems in the state, strategic economic development, continued infrastructure development, preservation and revitalization, and business expansion.

HD10 contains portions of the City of Madison and the City of Huntsville. All of the district sits within a booming Madison County.

Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Voters must remember to bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

7. After being praised by the statewide media for throwing his career away, gaining national TV time on Kaitlan Collins’ CNN show, and having Read Freely Alabama raise very little money for him, fired and embarrassed former Autauga/Prattville Library Board Library Director Andrew Foster wants his job back. Foster also wants an apology but that seems unlikely after he recorded the library board, fought their decisions on book “weeding,” and took the side of degenerates pushing for filth in Alabama’s libraries ultimately cost him his job, and the job of multiple ridiculous co-workers.

6. Fatties may be protected, this bill seems like a heavy lift for State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) who has decided to take on this gargantuan task of protecting plus-size people from what she calls discrimination. This expanding issue could fatten up lawyers’ wallets and place a hefty meal on the plate of business owners who will have to plump up their locations and to take on this meaty issues.

5. More in-vitro fertilization legislation is possible, according to some lawmakers, but the willingness to take on a debate that broadens the gulf between strictly pro-life Republicans, Republicans who are less married to that cause, and pro-abortion advocates. Regardless, bills will be introduced and, if they get voted on, people will have to go on the record on this contentious issue some want to go away.

4. Alabama could have some new healthcare options and lawmakers appear to have some issues with it, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) wants the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) to be able to offer plans that allow people to share healthcare costs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama does not like this because it creates some competition, while others note that is not actually health insurance..

3. A terror attack in Russia, that was believed to be committed by ISIS-K, has been blamed on the CIA, Israel, and Ukraine. The media also is very upset that people that killed almost 200 people and then were tortured, including shocking one’s genitals and making one allegedly eat their own ear.

2. Alabama’s No. 2 Democrat has stumbled upon a completely insane, stupid, and evil discussion on abortion. Vice Chair of the Alabama Democratic Party Tabitha Isner claims that pro-lifers hate children because they are sinful … seriously. Oddly enough, no other Alabama Democrats will be asked about whether they believe this idiotic nonsense, not the people running for Congress nor Marilyn Lands who is campaigning for a special election and running predominantly on abortion.

1. The latest vote to avoid a government shutdown by Congress took place Saturday morning as the U.S. Senate voted 74-24 to accept a funding bill through the end of the fiscal year that spends $1.2 trillion. Alabama’s U.S. senators were split on the vote with Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) voting “yes” and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) voting “no” after the Alabama House delegation voted along party lines 6-1 against the measure.

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN, Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440 from 10-11 a.m., and on Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.

On Thursday, the Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy in the state. One of those proposals is expected be agreed upon by both chambers of the Alabama Legislature and signed by Governor Kay Ivey as soon as Wednesday.

The approach taken by Republican lawmakers will offer criminal and civil immunity to doctors and other medical professionals performing IVF treatments. The timely effort came after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling on February 16 stating that embryos produced by IVF legally constitutes a person under the Alabama Constitution.

Clinics across the state suspended their IVF services out of concern over potential civil and criminal liability.

“This bill — the provisions only relate to in-vitro fertilization,” State Sen. Tim Melson explained on Thursday. Melson is a practicing physician in Alabama. It’s now known he, along with another physician legislator, State Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia) played a key role in lawmakers’ effort to safeguard protections.

“They provide civil and criminal immunity to a point and the immunity does not provide for damage or death of an embryo; so we are not going to give those coverage,” Melson said. “Only in normal standard way of handling them. They are still going to be susceptible to be – I will just call it malpractice if something happens. It doesn’t give them coverage for that.”

“There is no expiration on the date of this bill,” Melson said. “I don’t want people to get into the procedures or the process and fear they may have to stop again.”

RELATED: Reed, Ledbetter detail Alabama lawmakers’ approach to IVF: ‘Be very focused, get wise counsel’

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) blamed Republicans for creating this situation by passing a 2019 amendment to ban abortion.

“This is one of those I told you moments that you were trying too far,” Singleton said.

“You were going too far trying to define what life is, going too far trying to get ahead of Roe versus Wade. Something that we didn’t have anything to do with here in the state of Alabama and that was going to have to be dealt with at the national level. All we had to do was stand and wait. Roe versus Wade got overturned; and yet we wanted to make sure that we had our states right to do what we want. Now we have these mothers, these precious mothers, now sitting in prayer not knowing what is going to happen to their babies. Those babies that are sitting somewhere in a freezer because the Supreme Court of the State of Alabama has said that it is life and they are now babies.”

Singleton suggested that under Alabama law killing an IVF embryo could be prosecuted.

Melson responded, “Under Alabama law it is not murder if it is not in utero.”

Meanwhile on Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives also ushered a safeguard for the practice and accessibility of IVF to passage. The House version of the bill was sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur).

“This is an agreed upon bill that will open the clinics and let the process that those women are already in the middle of proceed,” Rep. Collins said. “This bill would provide civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to an embryo to any individual or entity when providing or receiving goods or services related to in-vitro fertilization and this bill would provide for retroactive effect.”

“This is about a liability immunity,” said Collins. “It is not where we want to do it. It is not going to long term do it. We will need to work together to continue to work on this problem. But right now, we wanted to get the clinic open for the families that were using them. It does not have a sunset date.”

Four Democrats voted against the bill, arguing they want to revisit the Alabama Constitution and change the life begins at conception principle enshrined there, as agreed upon by voters in a 2018 statewide referendum.

RELATED: Alabama GOP lawmakers advance solution to protect IVF services – Democrats push for referendum on personhood 

Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) expressed concern about giving the clinics immunity.

“When I came here in 2010, and that’s been almost 14 years ago, I noticed a trend here in the State House — and every bill that we had for a period of years was giving someone immunity in this state,” said Givan.

“I am not in favor of giving a doctor immunity for anything. One of these women could die. Could die just trying to figure out a pathway to give life. What we are going to pass right now gives a pathway for a doctor to commit an act and as we term it – as long as he is exercising best practice. That is a dangerous term in the medical field.”

Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) argued that the Legislature should pause IVF treatments in Alabama until the Legislature can figure out how to let the clinics proceed.

“My conscience is absolutely on fire about this,” Yarbrough said.

“I asked our visitors the other day, ‘what about embryos?’ – children – that are left over? I was told we need to be able to discard embryos that parents do not want. I was told by doctors in lab coats that we need to be able to destroy embryos that we think may have genetic issues. You mean genetic issues like downs syndrome babies, like special needs babies?”

Yarborough submitted an amendment to the bill, triggering an extreme pro-life vote for state lawmakers, which became the subject of negative advertising against them over the weekend.

RELATED: Trump calls on Alabama lawmakers to ensure IVF availability – ‘I strongly support’

Some Republicans were concerned that the effort to reopen the IVF process would have unintended consequences and legally jeopardize the state abortion ban.

Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills) expressed concerns that removing the sunset date of June 1, 2025 provision from the first version of the bill could, “lock us into unintended consequences.”

“I think we all want to keep the clinics open,” Carns said. “I wasn’t aware of this two weeks ago, and suddenly this becomes the biggest problem facing the state.”

Rep, Mark Gidley (R-Gadsden) said, “Alabama is probably one of the most pro-life states in the nation. We cannot allow anything to interfere with our pro-life stand and the fact that life begins at conception. That is not just a moral principle; but a biblical principal as well.”

“I am very concerned about us removing the sunset,” said Gidley. “Two weeks ago none of us realized that we were going to have this issue.”

“One of my main concerns is the fate of the embryos that are not used,” said Gidley. “I am not pleased with taking out the sunset.”

Gidley wanted to add language so that the unused embryos could not be used for scientific and medical research.

“I think it is very important that we have some regulation on these facilities,” Gidley said. “That embryo would not grow if it was not alive. It is a life.”

RELATED: Governor Kay Ivey: In vitro fertilization ‘fosters culture of life’

Reps. Givan and Moore voted “No” along with Rep. Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston) and Patrick Sellers (D-Birmingham) on the Democratic side. Yarbrough and Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont) also voted “No.” Carns, Gidley, and Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville) voted to abstain.

HB237 passed the House 94 to 6. It now goes to the Senate, which passed its own version also on Thursday.

On Friday, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said that the Legislature will continue to allow fertility clinics to operate in the state. “I’m proud the House voted to pass HB237,” Speaker Ledbetter said.

“Alabama’s IVF clinics play a crucial role in our state’s commitment to fostering a culture of life. Ensuring they have the necessary protections to continue serving hopeful parents is what’s right for our state.”

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

It’s become a cliché at this point that the mainstream media will report on the Republican reaction to a controversy more than the controversy itself. The headlines will say ‘Republicans Pounce on [insert issue here].’

Yet, I’ve never seen as much ‘pouncing’ from a political party than I have from Democrats when it comes to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos used for in vitro fertilization are considered unborn children.

The ruling became national news almost instantly as media pundits and Democrat politicians tried to use the issue to paint Republicans as extremists.

For example, Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones used this controversy to say things are “crazy” in Alabama, and then argued that this is why we need to “change the direction of this state.”

“Shock, anger, confusion grip Alabama?” Really folks? You get who you vote for. Folks should have learned that by now. But we have some chances to change the direction of this state. Stay tuned for another post later today about how we start. https://t.co/BsY7I6mYX3

— Doug Jones (@DougJones) February 21, 2024

Despite the outcry from Democrats and the media, the IVF issue isn’t really even that much of a controversy. In fact, I haven’t seen this much bipartisan agreement on something in a very long time.

Shortly after the ruling, Republicans in the Legislature said they would work quickly to address it, and then not too long after that State Sen. Tim Melson introduced a bill to protect the IVF clinics. Gov. Kay Ivey, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, both of Alabama’s U.S. Senators, and even President Donald Trump all agreed with Democrats that IVF procedures are a good thing and need to be protected. And this week the Alabama House and Senate have both passed identical bills to do just that. Tell me again why this is so divisive?

RELATED: Alabama GOP lawmakers advance solution to protect IVF services – Democrats push for referendum on personhood 

One reason why Democrats and the mainstream media are still so focused on this story is that, politically speaking, they smell blood in the water. They need all the help they can get when it comes to reelecting President Joe Biden in November. Because they can’t run on the economy, immigration, foreign policy, or Biden’s charisma — they plan to run on January 6th and abortion.

The second reason for all their “pouncing” is ideological: The Democrats’ ultimate goal is not to protect IVF. Their ultimate goal is to legalize as much abortion as possible.

The IVF controversy is not going to turn Alabama into a pro-abortion state. The majority of Alabamians believe in protecting the lives of the unborn, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.

Governor Ivey put it well in her statement responding to the ruling:

“Following the ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court, I said that in our state, we work to foster a culture of life,” Ivey explained. “This certainly includes some couples hoping and praying to be parents who utilize IVF. My Republican colleague in the Legislature, Senator Tim Melson, along with Senate and House members, are working on a solution to ensure we protect these families and life itself.”

Democrats won’t be happy until abortion is legalized in the state once again. Hopefully, Alabamians won’t fall for their game.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

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