In this episode of Infertility Discourse, hosts Rebecca Flick & Barb Collura and Director of Government Affairs Alise Powell for a conversation that cuts through the noise and gets real about two emerging threats to fertility care: ethical IVF and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).
With sharp insight and a nod to a classic ‘90s anthem, the trio unpacks the language, motivations, and policy implications behind these terms—and why patients, providers, and advocates need to be paying close attention.
As Barb explains, these aren’t just fringe ideas—they’re being introduced in statehouses, cited in federal legislation, and quietly shaping conversations about how IVF is practiced, funded, and accessed across the country.
Key Topics Discussed:
- What “Ethical IVF” Really Means—And Why It’s Misleading:
The term sounds harmless—even appealing. But in practice, “ethical IVF” is often shorthand for policies that impose moral or religious restrictions on IVF treatment, including limits on embryo creation, freezing, or disposal. The goal? To chip away at standard IVF care without banning it outright. - RRM: The Rebrand of Anti-IVF Advocacy:
Restorative reproductive medicine may sound holistic, but it’s often a coded way to divert patients from IVF entirely—regardless of their diagnosis. While healthy lifestyle practices and whole-person care are already part of fertility treatment, RRM aims to replace science-backed care with a one-size-fits-all alternative that delays or denies access to IVF. - From the Clinic to the Capitol:
The discussion outlines how these ideas are moving from white papers to policy—most notably in Arkansas, where RRM is already enshrined in law. With similar bills introduced in Congress, the hosts warn that more states could follow unless the fertility community speaks up. - What Patients Need to Know (and Do):
This episode empowers listeners with the facts and language they need to push back against vague or misleading claims. RESOLVE stands firmly behind patient autonomy, science-based care, and the right for every individual to make their own medical decisions in partnership with their doctor.
Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t just a policy discussion—it’s a wake-up call. If you care about IVF access, patient rights, or protecting the future of reproductive care, you need to understand the playbook being used to undermine it. You’ll come away informed, motivated, and ready to help RESOLVE stop these efforts before they spread further.
Call to Action:
Help RESOLVE protect IVF care from disguised restrictions.
- Share this episode with friends, family, and your elected officials.
- Visit resolve.org to learn more, make a donation, or get involved in advocacy.
- Use RESOLVE’s Advocacy Toolkit to track legislation and raise your voice where it counts.
- No promise, no purpose, no action? That’s a scrub—and there’s no place for it in fertility care.
Listener Links / Resources
RESOLVE | Protecting IVF
