§ 9:121 — Human embryo; in vitro fertilization; definition

§121. Human embryo; in vitro fertilization; definition
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary and for the purposes of this Chapter
the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Human embryo" means a fertilized human ovum that is biologically human,
with certain rights granted by law, composed of one or more living human cells and human
genetic material.
(2) "In vitro fertilized human embryo" means a human embryo created through the
in vitro fertilization process that has certain rights granted by law and is composed of one or
more living human cells and human genetic material so unified and organized that it may
develop in utero into an unborn child.
(3) "Nonviable in vitro fertilized human embryo" means an in vitro fertilized human
embryo that fails to meet necessary developmental milestones, except when the embryo is
in a state of cryopreservation. An embryo shall not be deemed nonviable before seventy-two
hours from fertilization. Viability of an in vitro fertilized human embryo is presumed unless
it is deemed nonviable.

Legislative History

Acts 1986, No. 964, §1; Acts 2025, No. 116, §1.