Chief Justice Tom Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that frozen embryos are considered people, drawing criticism for his use of scripture and theology in judicial decisions. Parker, who has been on the bench for nearly 20 years, has repeatedly invoked religious beliefs with the aim of overturning Roe v. Wade, a move that has been applauded by abortion opponents and condemned by reproductive rights advocates. He has also expressed support for the Seven Mountain Mandate, which calls for conservative Christians to have a significant influence over government and American life.
In his concurring opinion, Parker emphasized that Alabama law is rooted in theology and that life begins at conception, protecting frozen embryos under the law. He argued that destroying human life, including frozen embryos, is against God’s will and referred to scripture and theologians to support his stance. The ruling has led to concerns about the impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF), with some clinics pausing operations in the state and legislative efforts being made to protect IVF access in Alabama.
Parker’s history on the bench reveals a consistent pattern of invoking religious beliefs in his rulings and criticizing fellow judges who do not do the same. His connection to the Seven Mountain Mandate, a movement that advocates for the influence of conservative Christian beliefs in various aspects of society, underscores his commitment to aligning government and laws with religious principles. Overall, Parker’s judicial philosophy and rulings illustrate his deep-rooted belief in the sanctity of life and the necessity of aligning legal decisions with religious values.
