May she rest in power
Statement from State Strong on the IVF clinic bombing
State Strong is horrified and deeply saddened by the car bomb explosion outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, May 17. The blast resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, and the FBI has classified it as an intentional act of domestic terrorism.
Authorities believe the clinic was specifically targeted. Fortunately, it was closed at the time, and no staff or patients were harmed. Dr. Maher Abdallah, the clinic’s physician, confirmed that all embryos and reproductive materials remain secure.
This devastating attack highlights the alarming rise in hostility toward assisted reproductive care in the United States. As IVF and other fertility treatments become increasingly politicized the consequences of misinformation and fear-mongering are becoming dangerously real.
A prime example: there has been misrepresentation in the press that Donald Trump signed legislation expanding access to IVF. That is false. Trump did not expand access to IVF — he signed an executive order, which carries no legal weight and provides no actual protection or support for patients. It’s not policy; it’s political theater. Families deserve real safeguards, not empty gestures designed to confuse and mislead.
State Strong stands in unwavering solidarity with fertility advocates, patients, and providers across the country who continue to fight for safe, equitable access to family building care. No one should fear for their safety when seeking or delivering essential healthcare. Every person deserves the freedom to grow their family without violence, stigma, or intimidation.