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ASRM Position Statement on Personhood Measures


The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is strongly opposed to measures granting constitutional rights or protections and “personhood” status to fertilized reproductive tissues. 

In a growing number of states, vaguely worded and often misleading measures are appearing either in legislation or as proposed constitutional amendments, defining when life begins and granting legal “personhood” status to embryos at varying stages of development.  If approved, these measures will have profound consequences for women and their families. 

The goal of these measures is to make abortion illegal.  However, these broadly worded measures will have significant effects on a number of medical treatments available to women of reproductive age. 

  • Personhood measures would make illegal some commonly used birth control methods.
  • Personhood measures would make illegal a physician’s ability to provide medically appropriate care to women experiencing life threatening complications due to a tubal pregnancy. 
  • Personhood measures would consign infertility patients to less effective, less safe treatments for their disease.
  • Personhood measures would unduly restrict infertile patients’ right to make decisions about their own medical treatments, including determining the fate of any embryos created as part of the IVF process.
ASRM will oppose any personhood measure that is unclear, confusing, ambiguous, or not based on sound scientific or medical knowledge, and which threatens the safety and effective treatment of patients. 

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Just the Facts: “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and “Ethical IVF” are Misleading Terms That Threaten Access

Terms like “restorative reproductive medicine” and “ethical IVF” mislead and restrict access to proven fertility care like IVF. Evidence must guide policy.
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Just the Facts: The Safety of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a safe, proven medical procedure with extensive research backing. Though risks exist, advancements and strict monitoring ensure most IVF babies are healthy.
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Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Oversight: Lessons for the United States from Abroad

A comprehensive analysis of global Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations, comparing policies, accessibility, and ethical considerations in various countries.

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See What ASRM Is Doing

ASRM's Office of Public Affairs coordinates advocacy efforts to promote policies that support reproductive health and rights.

View ASRM's Advocacy Activities
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One-Sheet Resources

ASRM has prepared a collection of talking points to help you advocate for reproductive healthcare.

View the Advocacy Resources
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Contact Your Elected Official

Take Action To Protect Reproductive Medicine!

Talk to Officials Now!
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