Leading Activists Fighting to End IVF: Top Story from NPR

Abortion abolitionists protest outside of an IVF clinic in Texas.
Sarah McCammon for NPR

Sarah McCammon for NPR

Abortion abolitionists protest outside of an IVF clinic in Texas.

Sarah McCammon for NPR

In the last few years, more than a dozen states have enacted laws that ban almost all abortions. Some include exceptions for rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother. But a small, vocal group of anti-abortion activists say even these exceptions are morally wrong. They want to see a ban not only on all abortions but also on some fertility treatments, including IVF. They believe an embryo deserves the same rights as any human.

On this episode of The Sunday Story from Up First, NPR’s Sarah McCammon takes us to a protest outside an IVF clinic and talks to activists who call themselves “abortion abolitionists.” These activists say their goal is to turn their beliefs into policy and are heartened by the progress they’ve made.

This episode was produced by Justine Yan and edited by Jenny Schmidt and Megan Pratz. It was engineered by Gilly Moon.

We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at TheSundayStory@npr.org.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of abortion abolitionists and their protests against IVF clinics raises important questions about reproductive rights and the moral status of embryos. While some states have enacted strict abortion laws with exceptions, there is a small but vocal group advocating for a complete ban on all abortions and certain fertility treatments. This debate highlights the complexities of balancing religious beliefs, individual autonomy, and medical advancements in the realm of reproductive health.

FAQs

What is the goal of abortion abolitionists?

Abortion abolitionists aim to not only ban all abortions but also restrict certain fertility treatments, such as IVF, based on the belief that embryos deserve the same rights as any human.

How do abortion abolitionists view abortion exceptions?

Some abortion abolitionists consider exceptions for rape, incest, and maternal health reasons to be morally wrong and advocate for a complete ban on all abortions.

What progress have abortion abolitionists made?

Abortion abolitionists have made strides in turning their beliefs into policy, as evidenced by the enactment of strict abortion laws in several states.