Our team at Ember Fertility Center (EFC) is grieved to hear about Saturday’s bombing of the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in California and we hurt for those affected.
In light of this targeted event, we want to assure our patients we treat the safety of our patients and their embryos and other specimens as a top priority. Our IVF lab takes utmost precautions against dangers, such as natural disasters and the actions of bad actors (learn more: Our IVF & Fertility Lab), and we take added precautions to make our facilities safe for our patients to visit for their regular consultations and appointments.
We are located in a very safe neighborhood with low crime rates—specifically South Orange County, which had the lowest rate of violent crime in 2023 of California’s southern coast and border region. Our building is equipped with multiple security measures, including on-site security guards, a guarded parking lot, and numerous surveillance cameras throughout the premises. Additionally, the Laguna Hills Police Station is located just three minutes away. Our facility is also protected by an alarm system and the lab itself, where we store human tissue, is secured behind an additional locked door. For critical equipment, such as our liquid nitrogen (N₂) tank, we have two independent monitoring systems in place. In the event of any issue, both the doctor and lab director are immediately notified via phone call and text message.
ARC bombing background
On Saturday, May 17, a suspected anti-natalist deployed a car bomb at American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California (read the NBC News article). While the bomber was killed in the explosion, there were no other fatalities, and all specimens at the fertility clinic remained untouched, according to AP News.
Importantly, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills believes the explosion was an isolated incident. While the motive is under investigation, authorities suspect it relates to anti-natalism, the belief that it is morally wrong or unjustifiable for people to have children.
Staying strong together
Despite an anti-fertility trend
In an email, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association noted, “Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive health—and IVF in particular—has come under increasing scrutiny… These events may seem isolated, but they are connected by a troubling thread: the growing influence of individuals, groups, and institutions that do not recognize IVF as a safe and effective medical treatment.” We at EFC believe every person has the right to pursue their dream of family, and as a community we will stay strong and support each other, even in the face of adversity.