Dispatch from Alabama

Unpacking the implications of the state's IVF ruling. February 23, 2024 Good morning. After Alabama's Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos should be considered children, we're unpacking [the dramatic effects]( on fertility treatments and beyond. In other health news, we've got [a heartbreaking update about Wendy Williams](, doctors' advice about [how to relieve inflammation](, and a deep dive on [a harmful trend in medicine](. All that, plus more of the day's headlines, coming right up...   In the News [A doctor works in an IVF lab]( Getty Images Sounding the Alarm In an unprecedented move, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children under state law. Here’s [why that has far-reaching implications]( for fertility clinics and hopeful parents. The ruling: The decision stems from wrongful death cases brought by couples whose frozen embryos were destroyed in an accident. The court decided that the clinic’s failure to secure the area where they were stored violated the state’s Wrongful Death Act. The fallout: Clinics and the state’s largest hospital at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have paused in vitro fertilization procedures over fears that they — or their patients — could face legal action if they discard any embryos. Meanwhile, the conservative action group Liberty Counsel is trying to use the decision to challenge a potential abortion ballot measure in Florida. The decision doesn’t just affect fertility treatments. We spoke to the executive director of Yellowhammer Fund, a reproductive justice organization serving Alabama, Mississippi, and the Deep South, about //link.katiecouric.com/click/34446444.706796/aHR0cHM6Ly9rYXRpZWNvdXJpYy5jb20vbmV3cy9wb2xpdGljcy1hbmQtcG9saWN5L2FsYWJhbWEtc3VwcmVtZS1jb3VydC1mcm96ZW4tZW1icnlvcy1pdmYv/64ad542fa06bf6ade80ad77fF47d4eef3[what else could be in jeopardy](. [READ MORE](   More Stories [Main Engine Control Computer designer for Intuitive Machines Dan Harrison cheers amongst fellow employees during a watch party]( Intuitive Machines employees cheer as they became the first commercial company to softly land on the moon. (Getty Images) Another giant leap: Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 lander, aka Odysseus, has successfully landed on the moon, becoming the first U.S.-made spacecraft to do so since Apollo 17 in 1972. “This was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface,” Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said. The mission is of major interest to NASA, which is scouting out the moon using robotic explorers before sending astronauts there in the next few years. Eyes on Russia: President Biden has met with Alexei Navalny's widow and daughter. "He was a man of incredible courage," he told reporters. "We’re going to be announcing sanctions against Putin, who is responsible for his death, tomorrow." Navalny's mother says Russian officials tried to pressure her to hold a secret funeral for her son. Meanwhile, Europe is under rising pressure to increase aid for Ukraine as Congress stalls over U.S. support. Law and order: The former FBI informant charged with lying about the Bidens' business dealings in Ukraine has been arrested again — on the same charges. The judge overseeing Donald Trump's $355 million civil fraud case has denied his request to delay his judgment. And Trump has asked a federal judge to dismiss his classified documents case, citing presidential immunity. Education: A Texas judge has ruled that a high school hasn't violated the state's CROWN Act by suspending Darryl George, a Black student, for months over the length of his dreadlocks. The decision apparently left the teen tearful. “I can’t get my education because of my hair," he said. "I can’t be around my peers and enjoy my junior year because of my hair.”   Must-Reads [Arm flexing bicep, legs, surrounded by gears]( Inflammation Station We might ignore the little aches and pains that crop up, but paying attention to them could be the key to longevity. Here's more. [Read More »]( [Wendy Williams]( Tragic Update Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. Here’s what we know about the disease and the 59-year-old’s health. [Read More »]( [Protestors marching on bridge, one holding poster of George Floyd]( Going Further Allyship is more than just a moment — nor is it enough. An expert sounds off on what needs to happen to create real, lasting change. [Read More »](   Digging Deeper It's been documented time and time again that people of color have a different experience with doctors than their white counterparts, but why does this inequity persist? Dr. Uché Blackstock, author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism In Medicine, explains [what we can do to change this]( — and the eye-opening history behind how the system ended up here in the first place. [LEARN MORE](   Extra Credit [Jenna Ortega, TK, Miley Cyrus sporting wolf shag haircuts]( Getty Images / KCM Blast from the past: The "wolf haircut" is having a big moment, but the look isn't actually novel — like many trends, it's a reimagining of a classic '70s cut. [Here's how to rock it yourself](. Liftoff: Are you sore from trying to bring in all your groceries in one trip? My Pilates instructor Ashley Patten has [a gentle arm workout]( to help build your strength. Blue jean baby: You might not've realized Abercrombie is a destination for high-quality, on-trend jeans, so consider this your friendly reminder. We're loving [these vintage-inspired flare jeans]( (that also come in [a roomier silhouette](.   Perfect Fit Putting on fitted sheets is an extreme sport — so QuickZip came to the rescue with [easy-to-use bedding]( that zips into place. That means no more wrestling with your mattress! Even better? Use code FLASH15 for 15% off. [purple fitted sheets]( [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.