Description

In this episode of Infertility Discourse, RESOLVE President & CEO Barb Collura is joined by advocacy powerhouses Alise Powell, RESOLVE’s new Director of Government Affairs, and Jessie Losch, Director of Government Affairs at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Together, they break down what’s happening in state legislatures across the country—both the exciting wins and the emerging threats to fertility care access. With the 2025 legislative session still in full swing in many states, this episode is your inside look at where things stand, how fast things are moving, and what advocates need to know to stay engaged and make an impact.

Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting to follow fertility policy, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a call to action.

Key Topics Discussed:

• State-Level Wins in 2025 (So Far):
   From unexpected victories in Georgia to promising progress in Oregon and Nevada, the guests highlight where IVF protection bills and insurance mandates are gaining ground—and how local advocates have led the charge.
• The Rise of “TRAP” Bills and Overregulation:
   Learn about the disturbing trend of copy-and-paste legislation designed to overregulate IVF clinics and providers. Modeled after laws targeting abortion access, these bills are gaining traction and demand vigilance from the fertility community.
• Lessons from Setbacks:
   Not every bill crosses the finish line—but that doesn’t mean advocacy efforts were in vain. The team reflects on recent challenges in Washington State and Minnesota, sharing key takeaways about political realities, budget constraints, and the long game of legislative change.
• The Power of Grassroots Mobilization:
   From hosting statehouse advocacy days to sharing personal stories with lawmakers, the episode underscores how patient advocates are building momentum at the local level and setting the stage for future wins.
• Looking Ahead to Federal Advocacy Day:
   The conversation wraps with a plug for RESOLVE and ASRM’s virtual Federal Advocacy Day on May 20—an accessible way for anyone to get involved and make their voice heard in Washington, D.C.

Why You Should Listen:
This episode offers a candid and empowering look at the dynamic state of fertility legislation in the U.S. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how policy decisions are unfolding at the state level, why it’s crucial to stay engaged, and how your voice can help protect and expand access to fertility care.

Whether you’re directly impacted by fertility policy, working in the field, or advocating for change, this episode equips you with the insights and encouragement to keep going—even when the path isn’t easy.

Call to Action:
We’re only partway through the 2025 state legislative season—and every advocate counts. Stay informed and involved by visiting resolve.org to track legislation in your state, access RESOLVE’s State Advocacy Toolkit, and register for Federal Advocacy Day on May 20. It’s free, virtual, and open to all. Share this episode with your network to help raise awareness and keep the conversation going.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Infertility Discourse for more conversations that empower and inform—and visit RESOLVE’s website for the latest updates and ways to get involved.

Listener Links / Resources

Jessie Losch | LinkedIn

RESOLVE | Legislation

RESOLVE | Advocacy Day

ASRM | Advocacy Toolkit