By: Drew Roberts

On the brink of Super Tuesday, the state of Alabama is getting more national attention than usual. Typically not in the national spotlight, Alabama has received been the object of much discussion following the state Supreme Court ruling that declared embryos as children, effectively halting IVF procedures in the state. With more political events on the horizon, this national attention shows no sign of slowing down.

Selma Bridge Crossing

The 59th Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma was held on March 1-3. The event featured crowds locking arms and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in commemoration of Bloody Sunday, the 1965 conflict that pit 525 civil rights activists against police.

Vice President Kamala Harris was in attendance on the last day of the jubilee, using the opportunity to speak about a number of hot-button issues. Chief among these issues was Alabama’s recent IVF ruling. She expressed her disappointment with the ruling, saying, “This generation has fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers. The government should not be telling her what to do with her body.”

Following this, she locked arms with those in attendance and crossed the historic bridge, completing the yearly tradition.

IVF

The state of Alabama was thrust into the national spotlight following the state Supreme Court ruling that embryos were children. The decision received bipartisan backlash, prompting the state legislature to reexamine the ruling.

After Representative Terri Collins filed a motion to keep IVF operating within the state, the legislature gathered to vote. The State Senate voted in favor of “[providing] civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to an embryo to any individual or entity when providing or receiving goods or services related to in vitro fertilization” 32-0. The House of Representatives followed suit with a vote of 94-6.

While the future of this issue remains unclear, the ruling counts as a victory for supporters of and those involved in IVF.

Katie Britt

The State of the Union address on Thursday March 7th will see Alabama Senator Katie Britt delivering the GOP rebuttal to President Biden’s initial address.

Upon her election, Britt became the first female senator in state history. At 42-years-old, she is also the the youngest woman ever to be elected to the Senate.

In anticipation for her address, Britt said in a statement, “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to speak directly to my fellow Americans and have a candid conversation about the future of our nation.”

Super Tuesday

Voters nationwide will be flocking to the polls this Super Tuesday on March 5th. With county level, representative and presidential offices up for grabs, Alabamians are no exception.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Those seeking to vote should be prepared to present valid identification, which includes a drivers license, passport, military ID, and more.

For more information on the election, visit the Secretary of State’s office.