KIM CHANDLER

FILE - Hundreds gather for a protest rally for in vitro fertilization legislation Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Montgomery, Ala. Alabama lawmakers, who face public pressure to get in vitro fertilization services restarted, are nearing approval of immunity legislation to shield providers from the fall out of a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children. Legislative committees on Tuesday, March 5, will debate the bills that would protect clinics from lawsuits and criminal prosecution for the “damage or death of an embryo” during IVF services. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP, File)
Alabama lawmakers advance legislation to protect IVF providers, with final approval still ahead
Alabama lawmakers have advanced legislation to protect in vitro fertilization providers. Committees in the state Senate and House approved bills Tuesday to provide legal immunity for clinics.
 
Robert Ward leaves the volunteer fire station in Cusseta, Ala., after voting during a primary election, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Sixteen states and a U.S. territory hold their 2024 nominating contests on Super Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Alabama’s redrawn US House map spurs primary runoffs and ousts an incumbent on Super Tuesday
Alabama voters shook up the state’s congressional delegation Tuesday. Republican Rep. Jerry Carl of the 1st Congressional District was defeated by a Republican colleague Rep. Barry Moore.
 
FILE - Mobile County Circuit Judge Sarah Stewart holds up a document in her courtroom, April 16, 2015, as she sentences William Ziegler in Mobile, Ala. Alabama Republicans are deciding their choice to replace retiring Chief Justice Tom Parker who in February 2024 drew national attention for quoting the Bible in a legal writing supporting a decision to recognize frozen embryos as children under a state law. Stewart, a current associate justice on the Alabama Supreme Court and Bryan Taylor, a former state senator and legal adviser to two governors, are competing for the GOP nomination. (Sharon Steinmann/AL.com via AP)
Sarah Stewart wins Republican race to lead Alabama Supreme Court, weeks after frozen embryo ruling
Republicans in Alabama have chosen Justice Sarah Stewart as their nominee to lead the state Supreme Court. The court touched off a furor last month with its decision to recognize frozen embryos as children.
 
The Rev. Al Sharpton, Vice President Kamala Harris and Attorney Ben Crump walk and sing across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with others commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday voting rights march in 1965, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Kamala Harris leads Bloody Sunday memorial as marchers’ voices ring out for voting rights
Vice President Kamala Harris led marchers in Selma, Alabama, on the 59 anniversary of Bloody Sunday, saying the fight for voting rights goes on even today. Harris and Attorney General Merrick Garland were in Selma Sunday with civil rights advocates.
 
Veronica Wehby-Upchurch a sign and son Ladner Upchurch as hundreds gather for a protest rally for in vitro fertilization legislation Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Montgomery, Ala. 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. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
Medical groups urge Alabama Supreme Court to revisit frozen embryo ruling
Groups representing Alabama doctors and hospitals are urging the state Supreme Court to revisit a decision equating frozen embryos to children.
 
Veronica Wehby-Upchurch a sign and son Ladner Upchurch as hundreds gather for a protest rally for in vitro fertilization legislation Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Montgomery, Ala. 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. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
Alabama lawmakers advance plan to protect IVF clinics
Alabama lawmakers have moved closer to approving protections for fertility clinics. Three IVF providers in Alabama paused services after the state Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos were considered “extrauterine children” under the state wrongful death law.
 
Veronica Wehby-Upchurch a sign and son Ladner Upchurch as hundreds gather for a protest rally for in vitro fertilization legislation Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Montgomery, Ala. 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. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
Patients urge Alabama lawmakers to restore IVF services in the state
More than 200 in vitro fertilization patients have gathered at the Alabama Statehouse to urge lawmakers to find some way to restore IVF services in the state. Those gathered at the Statehouse Wednesday included patients and doctors alike.
 
Dr Rachel Charles tells her story as Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra hosts a panel discussion with families directly affected by the Alabama Supreme Court Court decision, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Alabama IVF patients describe heartbreak, anger after ruling
In vitro fertilization patients in Alabama described the heartbreak and anger after a state court decision that called into question the future of IVF in the state.
 
FILE - A container with frozen embryos and sperm stored in liquid nitrogen is removed at a fertility clinic in Fort Myers, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. 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. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Facing backlash over IVF ruling, Alabama lawmakers look for a fix
Alabama lawmakers have begun scrambling for ways to protect in vitro fertilization services after a state Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos could be considered children under state law.
 
FILE - Sen. Rodger Smitherman compares U.S. Representative district maps during the special session on redistricting at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., Nov. 3, 2021. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday, June 8, 2023, that Alabama’s U.S. House districts violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of Black voters.(Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP, File)
Nearly 20 people are running in a newly created Democratic-leaning district
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FILE - 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. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
What’s next after the Alabama ruling that counts IVF embryos as children?
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that couples who were trying in vitro fertilization and lost frozen embryos in an accident at a south Alabama storage facility can sue under the state’s wrongful death law.
 
The exterior of the Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., is shown Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. 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. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
More Alabama IVF providers pause treatment after court ruling on frozen embryos
More in vitro fertilization providers in Alabama have paused parts of their treatment after the state Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos are legally considered children.
 
FILE - Officials escort murder suspect Alan Eugene Miller away from the Pelham City Jail in Alabama, Aug. 5, 1999. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office asked the Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, to set an execution date for Miller. He would be the second Alabama inmate to be put to death using nitrogen gas. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
Alabama seeks to carry out second execution using controversial nitrogen gas method
Alabama is seeking to put a second inmate to death using nitrogen gas. The move comes a month after the state carried out the first execution using the controversial new method.
 
The exterior of the Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., is shown Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. 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. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
Alabama hospital puts pause on IVF in wake of ruling saying frozen embryos are children
A large Alabama hospital has paused in vitro fertilization treatments as health care providers weigh the impact of a state court ruling that frozen embryos are the legal equivalent of children.
 
FILE - A person holds up a sign reading, "Trans People Belong in Alabama," during a rally outside the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., on International Transgender Day of Visibility, Friday, March 31, 2023. Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would define who is considered female and male based on their ability to produce sperm and ova. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File)
Alabama lawmakers would define man and woman based on sperm and ova
Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would define who is considered female and male under state law.
 
The exterior of the Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., is shown Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. 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. The decision was issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by three couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
Warnings of the impact of fertility treatments in Alabama rush in after frozen embryo ruling
The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos created during fertility treatments should be considered children under state law.
 
FILE - Anti-death penalty signs placed by activists stand along the road heading to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., ahead of the scheduled execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. On Thursday, Alabama put Smith to death with nitrogen gas. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File)
First nitrogen execution was a ‘botched’ human experiment, Alabama lawsuit alleges
An Alabama death row inmate has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of nitrogen gas execution.
 
Lottery, casino bill passes key vote in Alabama House
Lottery and casino legislation passed a key test Thursday in the Alabama Legislature. The House of Representatives approved the proposed constitutional amendment to allow up to 10 casino sites with table games and slot machines, a state lottery, and allow sports betting at in-person locations and th
 
Alabama Senate votes to change archives oversight after LGBTQ+ lecture
The Alabama Senate voted Wednesday to put a politically appointed board in control of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The change was proposed after some lawmakers were upset about the department hosting a lecture on LGBTQ+ history.
 
Casino and lottery proposal swiftly advances in the Alabama Legislature
An Alabama legislative committee has advanced a gambling proposal to authorize a lottery, sports betting and multiple casinos across the Deep South state. The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved the two-bill package Wednesday.
 
Lottery, casino bill heads to first test in Alabama Legislature
Casino and lottery legislation is headed to its first test in the Alabama Legislature. The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee will vote on the bill Wednesday.
 
Alabama bill that would allow lottery, casinos and sports betting headed to first test
Alabama lawmakers could cast their first votes next week on sweeping gambling legislation. The proposal would create a state lottery, allow sports betting at in-person locations and through online platforms, and authorize up to 10 casino sites with table games and slot machines.
 
Alabama lawmakers push sweeping gambling bill that would allow lottery and casinos
A group of Alabama lawmakers has unveiled a sweeping gambling bill that could authorize a state lottery and 10 casinos across the conservative Deep South. Some Republicans are looking to get the question before voters in November.
 
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey arrives to deliver the State of the State address at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
Ivey says ‘now is the time’ for a statewide vote on lottery and gambling bills
Alabama lawmakers have begun the 2024 legislative session with votes on bills pertaining to school vouchers, gambling and elections ahead of them. Legislators convened briefly Tuesday to begin the session that will last through mid-May. Gov.
 
Gambling, education, election bills before Alabama lawmakers in 2024
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery on Tuesday for the 2024 legislative session. School vouchers, gambling, and election bills are expected to be among the key issues this session. Republican Gov.
 
FILE - Alabama's lethal injection chamber at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., is pictured in this Oct. 7, 2002 file photo. Alabama will be allowed to put an inmate to death with nitrogen gas, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, refusing to block what would be the nation’s first execution by a new method since 1982. Alabama says it plans to replace Eugene Smith's, 58, breathing air with nitrogen gas Thursday, Jan. 25, rendering him unconscious within seconds and killing him within minutes. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
Will other states replicate Alabama’s nitrogen execution?
Experts on capital punishment say Alabama’s first-ever use of nitrogen gas to execute a man could could gain traction among other states and change how the death penalty is carried out in the United States.
 
FILE - Anti-death penalty signs placed by activists stand along the road heading to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., ahead of the scheduled execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. On Thursday, Alabama put Smith to death with nitrogen gas. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File)
What happened at the nation’s first nitrogen gas execution: An AP eyewitness account
Witnesses watched through a window at an Alabama prison as Kenneth Eugene Smith became the nation’s first person to be put to death using nitrogen gas. Smith shook and convulsed while strapped to the gurney.
 
FILE - Alabama's lethal injection chamber at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., is pictured in this Oct. 7, 2002 file photo. Alabama will be allowed to put an inmate to death with nitrogen gas, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, refusing to block what would be the nation’s first execution by a new method since 1982. Alabama says it plans to replace Eugene Smith's, 58, breathing air with nitrogen gas Thursday, Jan. 25, rendering him unconscious within seconds and killing him within minutes. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
Alabama man shook violently on gurney during first-ever nitrogen gas execution
A man put to death using nitrogen gas shook and convulsed on the gurney as Alabama carried out the first-of-its-kind execution that once again placed the United States at the forefront of the debate over capital punishment.
 
Anti-death penalty activists place signs along the road heading to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., ahead of the scheduled execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The state plans to put Smith to death with nitrogen gas, the first time the new method has been used in the United States. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
Alabama executes a man with nitrogen gas, the first time the new method has been used
Alabama has executed a man with nitrogen gas, putting him to death with a first-of-its-kind method that once again put the U.S. at the forefront of the debate over capital punishment.
 
FILE - Alabama's lethal injection chamber at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., is pictured in this Oct. 7, 2002 file photo. Kenneth Smith, 58, is scheduled to be executed Jan. 25, 2024, at a south Alabama prison by nitrogen gas, a method that has never been used to put a person to death. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Friday, Jan. 19, in Smith's bid to stop the execution from going forward. (AP Photo/File)
Federal court says Alabama can carry out first nitrogen gas execution; Supreme Court appeal expected
A federal appeals court says Alabama can carry out the nation’s first execution using nitrogen gas. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith by nitrogen hypoxia.
 
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