Alabama lawmakers are moving quickly with legislation intended to resolve the interruption in in vitro fertilization services resulting from a Feb. 16 ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.

The Senate Healthcare Committee has scheduled a public hearing at noon Wednesday on SB159, by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, and SB160, by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Sheffield.

The bills, just a few pages long, are similar in that they would shield IVF providers from civil and criminal liability after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos created through IVF are considered children for purposes of the state’s wrongful death law.

Committee approval could put one or both bills in position for consideration by the Senate on Thursday.

Democratic lawmakers in the Alabama House have introduced two bills, both sponsored by House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, R-Huntsville, also intended to shield IVF providers from liability.

One of the bills, SB240, is a proposed constitutional amendment. It would amend a constitutional amendment approved by voters that declares that Alabama’s policy is to protect the life of the unborn. It says an extrauterine embryo is not an “unborn life” or “unborn child.” All 28 members of the House Democratic caucus are signed on as co-sponsors.

Families affected by the pause on IVF services are scheduled to hold a rally outside the Alabama State House at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Several Alabama IVF programs, including ones operated by the UAB Health System and the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, have paused services because of concerns about the ruling.

Read more: What is in vitro fertilization? Alabama ruling puts assisted reproduction at risk