An advertisement promoting a ballot measure in North Dakota that states life begins at conception.

A group of specialized doctors in North Dakota is speaking out against Measure One, which states “the inalienable right to life of every human being at any stage of development must be recognized and protected.

A group of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) doctors gathered in Fargo on Monday. They said many of the fertilized eggs have abnormalities that result in miscarriage. Under Measure One, the eggs must be protected even if they have no chance of growing into a healthy baby. The group says Measure One would make infertility doctors liable for every fertilized egg, even if it fails to develop, or does not result in pregnancy.

“I cannot subject my colleagues or my lab staff to any potential criminal charges for what we do on a routine basis,” explains Dr. Steffen Christensen.

The doctors say if Measure One passes, it would make the practice of IVF impossible in North Dakota.

“If Measure One passes, we will stop offering IVF immediately. We will begin the process of finding other centers in Minnesota and in South Dakota and Colorado to accept our patients.” said Dr. Stephanie Dahl.

The doctors say it’s ironic that a measure to protect life could take away IVF opportunities to couples wishing to start a family. Those for Measure One say every human being at any stage of development has the right to be protected.