Alabama

Opinion | Alabama Court denies IVF rehearing, uncertainty persists

Published

2 years ago

May 6, 2024

Opinion | Alabama Court denies IVF rehearing, uncertainty persists

The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent ruling, declaring embryos as children under the law, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, and rightfully so. This decision not only lacks scientific basis but also reflects a troubling intrusion of religious ideology into legal matters, raising serious concerns about reproductive rights and healthcare in the state.

Let’s dissect the ruling. Embryos, in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF), are a far cry from fully formed children. They are clusters of cells with the potential for life, but to legally and morally equate them with born children or gestating fetuses is a stretch beyond reason. This classification stems from a particular religious viewpoint, one that doesn’t align with the diverse beliefs of our society or the principles of medical science.

The defendants in the original lawsuit, The Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary, had petitioned the justices to reconsider the issue. Additionally, The Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Hospital Association filed a brief supporting the request for a rehearing of the February decision. They emphasized that despite the resumption of IVF services, the ruling continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty over the medical community.

However, the Alabama Supreme Court on Friday declined to grant a rehearing on what has become its most contentious ruling of the year. This ruling, issued in the case of James LePage, et al. v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Mobile Infirmary Association, deemed frozen embryos to be akin to unborn children under state law.

The practical implications of this decision are dire. IVF clinics, vital lifelines for many hopeful parents, were forced to halt operations out of fear of legal liability. Patients who rely on these clinics for their chance at parenthood found their dreams dashed, all due to a ruling that prioritizes ideology over the well-being of individuals and families.

While the Alabama State Legislature attempted to remedy the situation with a hastily drafted law, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The fact that the Supreme Court denied a rehearing on this matter speaks volumes about the entrenched nature of its stance, despite dissenting voices within the court itself.

Justice Will Sellers, in his dissenting opinion on the rehearing, aptly pointed out the far-reaching ramifications of the original ruling. It’s not just about the immediate parties involved in the case; it’s about the broader community affected by the court’s decision. By failing to consider the voices of those impacted and rushing to a judgment based on dubious grounds, the court has done a disservice to the very people it’s meant to protect.

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“This case has removed us from any notion of ivory-tower isolation and has subjected us to the scrutiny of world opinion, thrusting us into a public discussion that was as unwarranted as it was unanticipated,” Sellers wrote.

“While many of our opinions have unintended consequences, oftentimes such consequences nevertheless are foreseeable because our decisions impact others who, although they were not parties to the case, were generally aware of the potential repercussions of a reasonable decision. In this case, our decision was a surprise, if not a shock, to our citizens.

“The majority opinion on original submission had significant and sweeping implications for individuals who were entirely unassociated with the parties in the case. Many of those individuals had no reason to believe that a legal and routine medical procedure would be delayed, much less denied, as a result of this Court’s opinion.”

Sellers noted the case’s effect on others not involved in the case, writing that he “would have granted the request to conduct oral argument on the applications for rehearing, including providing …. an opportunity to voice their concerns, to explain the legal bases of their positions, and to highlight the various loose ends left dangling by this Court’s opinion.”

The failing of the original opinion, Sellers argued, left those affected by the original ruling with no legal recourse.

“Because those individuals never had an opportunity to submit briefs in this case to explain their positions and the law supporting them, they now have a new regime that has been forced upon them for which they had neither input, nor redress, nor a hearing,” he wrote.

“The majority opinion on original submission also addressed issues and arguments that were never raised in the parties’ initial briefs and never argued by the parties.”

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At its core, this issue is about bodily autonomy and individual freedom. Women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive choices without undue interference from the government or religious doctrines. To deny them this fundamental right is to undermine the principles of liberty and equality that form the bedrock of our society.

In a free and just society, we must ensure that the law respects the autonomy and dignity of every individual. The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling falls short of this standard, and it’s high time for a course correction that upholds the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs or personal circumstances.

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Alabama

A major overhaul ahead for the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line

Published

9 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

A major overhaul ahead for the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line

The first phase of good news for the Alabama Crimson Tide is happening. While indications are the two best Alabama offensive linemen will move to the NFL, there are eight other (and counting) offensive linemen who not return for the 2026 season. Three are out of eligibility: Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry, and Geno Van DeMark. Five more are portal entries: Micah DeBose, Joe Ionata, Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, and Wilkin Formby.

Why is the attrition good news? There are two reasons. Kalen DeBoer’s offensive lines have needed skill sets in short supply the last two seasons. His offense needs agile, quick-footed offensive linemen. Not many Alabama football fans will disagree, but for those who do, when two late-season games (Georgia and Indiana) are lost by a combined 56 points, a major overhaul is required.

For an offensive line overhaul, the Crimson Tide needed to free up roster slots, to improve talent, and reallocate money. The count of returning offensive linemen (as of late afternoon on Jan. 4) is six: Mike Carroll, Casey Poe, Jackson Lloyd, Mal Waldrep, Red Sanders, and Arkel Anugwon. In addition, the 2026 class added five more: Tyrell Miller (JUCO), Jared Doughty, Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell, and Bryson Cooley

Next for the Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama could get lucky and have Parker Brailsford decide to play another season of college ball. Assuming that luck will not occur, three or four offensive linemen need to be added through the Portal. At least two of them need to be tabbed as near-locks to start in next fall’s season opener.

So far, the only target known publicly is Texas State center, Brock Riker. New targets are expected to surface soon, some of whom may not be in the portal yet. According to Yahoo Sports, Riker has been targeted by at least nine Power Four programs, with more offers expected soon.

The large number of transfer exits may be an indication that offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will also move on. Many Alabama football fans are looking forward to DeBoer bringing in a new OL coach.

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Alabama

Alabama outside linebacker to reportedly enter NCAA transfer portal

Published

21 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Alabama outside linebacker to reportedly enter NCAA transfer portal

According to a report from ESPN’s Max Olson, Alabama Crimson Tide outside linebacker Noah Carter is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal following two seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Carter is the first Alabama outside linebacker to enter the transfer portal so far this cycle.

The outside linebacker originally came to Alabama as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, and was one of the first big commitments of the Kalen DeBoer era. Then, Carter was rated as the nation’s No. 109 overall prospect, as well as No. 9 edge rusher nationally, out of Centennial High School in Arizona, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

During his two seasons at Alabama, Carter posted a combined 11 tackles and 0.5 TFL across 14 games played. The outside linebacker appeared in 11 games this past season, posting nine tackles and 0.5 TFL.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

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Alabama

The Ty Simpson Conversation Alabama Can’t Ignore

Published

1 day ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

The Ty Simpson Conversation Alabama Can’t Ignore

In the aftermath of Alabama’s embarrassing Rose Bowl loss, one of the loudest and most important conversations surrounding the program isn’t just about the offensive line, the play-calling, or the defensive breakdowns. It’s about Ty Simpson, and what comes next for him.

Tom Loy of 247Sports recently added serious fuel to that conversation when he said:

“If Ty Simpson gets a first-round grade, he’s gone to the NFL. If not, keep an eye on Tennessee and Oregon.”

That’s a big deal. And it’s a conversation worth having.

At this point, there are three realistic paths in front of Simpson: return to Alabama, enter the NFL Draft, or transfer. After the Rose Bowl performance and the questions it raised, nothing feels guaranteed anymore.

The idea of Simpson potentially leaving Alabama is shocking, especially the Oregon part. Tennessee makes some sense. They’ve built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, playing fast, and creating offensive systems that highlight strengths. But Oregon? That hits different. Tennessee is home. Well, at least for Ty. After all, he’s from Martin, Tennessee. And he actually almost chose to go to play for the Volunteers before committing to the Crimson Tide.

The Vols have familiarity, comfort, and a system that could give Simpson the keys immediately.

That alone makes the possibility unsettling for Alabama fans.

Still, before anyone panics, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

Ty Simpson finished the season completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Statistically, that’s a strong season. It shows efficiency, decision-making, and growth, even amidst inconsistency. But the Rose Bowl exposed something numbers don’t always tell, the need for experience, command, and comfort under pressure.

That’s where an interesting comparison comes into play: Jalen Hurts.

Like Simpson, Hurts once faced uncertainty at Alabama.

Like Simpson, he had to make a decision about his future when the situation wasn’t crystal clear.

Hurts chose to leave with the blessing of Nick Saban, transferred to Oklahoma, and had a phenomenal season. That single year of experience, tape, and confidence skyrocketed his draft stock and reshaped his NFL future.

Maybe, just maybe, that same path could exist for Ty Simpson.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Alabama has already lost him.

In fact, one could argue the best thing for Simpson might be another year as a starter, whether that’s in Tuscaloosa or elsewhere.

Quarterbacks don’t just need talent; they need reps, adversity, and film that shows growth. One more season of full command, especially behind a stronger offensive line and a more stable system, could change everything.

As for the NFL, the message from Tom Loy is clear: if Simpson hears “first-round,” he’s gone.

And he should be.

You don’t pass up that opportunity.

But if the grade comes back lower, returning, or transferring, becomes a smart business decision, not an emotional one.

Right now, nothing is decided.

But the fact that Tennessee and Oregon are even being mentioned tells you how real this situation is. The transfer portal has changed the game of college football, and now, and players like Ty Simpson now have leverage, options, and choices.

The Ty Simpson conversation isn’t just about one quarterback.

It’s about where Alabama football is headed, and how quickly things can change.

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