‘I Didn’t Say I Agreed’: Nikki Haley Walks Back Her Comment On Alabama IVF Ruling, After Referring to Embyros as ‘Babies’ in Prior Remarks

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley took some heat on Wednesday when she stated that she believed embryos “are babies” after the controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen, fertilized embryos were to be considered “children” under the law. Later that day, she walked her own statement back.

While appearing on CNN’s King Charles on Wednesday night, co-host Gayle King pressed Haley on her comment, which was reported by NBC News:

King: You make news every day, Governor Haley, but today you’re making news because you agreed with the Alabama Supreme Court that ruled that embryos are people. And today you said yes, you believe they’re people, too. I think that troubled many people, especially women who are going through IVF treatments. We’re hearing reports already about fertility clinics that are shutting down because they’re worried. What do you say to women that are now concerned about that and your position in that particular issue?

Haley: Well, first of all, I didn’t, I mean, this is again, I didn’t say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling. What the question that I was asked is, do I believe an embryo is a baby? I do think that if you look in the definition, an embryo is considered an unborn baby. And so, yes, I believe from my stance that that is.

The difference is — and this is what I say about abortion as well — we need to treat these issues with the utmost respect. I had trouble having both of my children. I am very aware of what it means to go through artificial insemination. All of those things related to in vitro. I know what that is. And I also know the importance between a doctor and the parents is very important to have those conversations.

This case was based on, and should be based on, the rights of those parents for their embryos, and to make sure that they have the responsibility with the doctors on how those are handled. Nothing more than that.

Watch the video above via CNN.