Mar 13, 2024 - Health
IVF births in Washington outpace U.S. rate
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In vitro fertilization accounted for 2.6% of all births in Washington in 2021, according to the most recent CDC data.
- That's slightly above the national figure of 2.3%.
Why it matters: The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos created through IVF are children under state law.
- IVF typically takes more than one embryo to safely achieve pregnancy — and unused embryos are often discarded.
By the numbers: IVF and other assistive reproductive procedures performed in 2021 resulted in 2,338 live births in Washington, per the CDC.
- 4,629 embryo transfers were performed statewide to get that number of infants.
State of play: Alabama passed legislation late last month to protect patients and doctors involved in IVF.
- Some states are considering so-called fetal personhood bills, but not Washington.
Go deeper: Why successful IVF often requires multiple embryos