(In)Fertility Discourse: A RESOLVE Podcast

You Can Count On Me

In this episode of Infertility Discourse, hosts Rebecca Flick and Alise Powell sit down with Sylvia Dao, RESOLVE’s Access to Care Manager and leader of the Coverage at Work program. Sylvia offers a look at what it’s like to advocate for fertility benefits inside the workplace—and how RESOLVE equips employees to do it with clarity and confidence. From decoding insurance jargon to drafting letters to HR, Sylvia shares real stories of the quiet persistence and everyday bravery that it takes to turn a “no” into a family-building “yes.” She also explains how RESOLVE’s free resources, including a comprehensive Coverage at Work Toolkit, are helping more people navigate a complex—and often confusing—system. Whether you’re just starting your family-building journey or have been advocating for better coverage for years, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and encouragement. Key Topics Discussed: * What the Coverage at Work Program Actually Does: Sylvia breaks down how RESOLVE’s program supports both employees and employers—from initial outreach to full benefits implementation. * Why Asking for Benefits Feels So Hard: Talking to HR about something as personal as infertility can be daunting. Sylvia touches on why that fear is valid—and how to overcome it. * Self-Insured vs. Fully Insured Plans: Understanding your employer’s insurance structure is key. This episode walks through what to ask, what to look for in your policy, and how to start the conversation. * The Power of the Toolkit: Model benefits language, ROI data, success stories—it’s all inside RESOLVE’s free toolkit, designed to help you advocate with confidence. * Real-Life Successes: Sylvia shares the story of one employee’s eight-month journey to securing comprehensive family-building benefits—and how it led to a long-awaited baby boy. 🎧 Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever wondered how to actually ask your employer for fertility coverage—or if you’ve tried before and been shut down—this episode is for you. It’s grounded, hopeful, and full of actionable guidance. Sylvia brings a calm, clear voice to a process that can feel overwhelming, showing listeners that change is not only possible—it’s happening. And with more than 3 million employees gaining access to benefits through this program, RESOLVE’s Coverage at Work isn’t just a resource. It’s a movement. Call to Action: * Ready to ask for better family-building benefits at work? Visit resolve.org/coverageatwork to download the free toolkit and connect with RESOLVE’s Access to Care team. * Employers: Want to support your team? The employer version of the toolkit has everything you need to get started. * Share this episode with a friend, coworker, or anyone navigating infertility in the workplace. You never know who might need it. Together, we’re opening doors to care—one workplace at a time.

(Wo)Man in the Mirror

In this special episode of Infertility Discourse, host Rebecca Flick sits down with RESOLVE President & CEO Barb Collura for one final conversation. After more than two decades at the helm of RESOLVE’s advocacy efforts, Barb is stepping away from her role on June 30, 2025. But before she goes, she joins Rebecca to reflect on the evolution of family-building policy, the power of persistence, and what it takes to build a true movement—not just a moment. From the early days of brown-bag lunches on Capitol Hill to today's multi-state legislative strategy, this episode is both a retrospective and a roadmap for what's next. Key Topics Discussed: * From Volunteer to Visionary: Barb shares her journey from grassroots volunteer to national leader, painting a picture of RESOLVE’s early advocacy efforts—and how far we’ve come. * How the Advocacy Landscape Has Shifted: What used to be decentralized and DIY is now a coordinated, tech-enabled movement. Barb and Rebecca discuss the rise of returning advocates, the power of storytelling, and the hard-earned lessons of state-by-state battles. *  What Makes a Great Advocate: Hint: It’s not about policy wonkery. It’s about vulnerability, clarity, and commitment. Barb outlines what she calls her “advocate in a box”—and why showing up year after year matters more than ever. * Facing the Current Threats: From disinformation to outright hostility toward IVF, the stakes have never been higher. Barb encourages listeners to stay engaged—because advocacy isn’t optional. It’s essential. * A Wish for the Future: Barb’s closing message to the community is clear: progress happens when we stop starting from zero. We need your voice, your story, and your support—today, tomorrow, and beyond. Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever taken part in RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day, called a lawmaker, or even just wondered “Why is family-building so hard to access?”—this episode is for you. Barb’s reflections offer rare insight into how policy change really happens, and why sustained, collective effort is the only way forward. Call to Action: * Visit resolve.org [https://resolve.org] to support advocacy, become a donor, or get involved. * Share this episode with someone who’s just beginning their journey—or someone who’s ready to give back. * Use RESOLVE’s Advocacy Toolkit to take action in your state Listener Links / Resources RESOLVE |  Donate [http://www.resolve.org/donate]

No Scrubs

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 [https://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 [https://resolve.org/protecting-access-to-ivf-opposing-barriers-disguised-as-ethical-ivf/]

Fifty Nifty United States

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 [https://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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-losch-57322642/] RESOLVE | Legislation [https://resolve.org/legislation/] RESOLVE | Advocacy Day [http://www.resolve.org/advocacyday] ASRM | Advocacy Toolkit [https://www.asrm.org/advocacy-and-policy/take-action/advocacy-toolkit/]

Lean On Me

In this insightful episode of Infertility Discourse, hosts Rebecca Flick and Barb Collura sit down with Carolynn Dube, Executive Director of Fertility Matters Canada (FMC). Carolynn walks us through the advocacy efforts her organization leads in Canada, pushing for better fertility care access and coverage. From grassroots movements to collaborating with policymakers, Carolynn shares the exciting progress FMC has made—and the challenges still to overcome. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of fertility care and public policy in Canada, showcasing the power of collaboration and the importance of continuing the fight for equitable access to fertility services. Key Topics Discussed: * The State of Fertility Care in Canada: Carolynn explains how Canada's universal healthcare system leaves fertility treatments out of coverage and how FMC is working tirelessly to change that. * The Power of Grassroots Advocacy: Learn how local advocacy groups across Canada are pushing for fertility care access in their provinces, from fundraising efforts to meeting with lawmakers. * The Role of Collaboration Between Advocacy Organizations: Carolynn highlights the long-standing relationship between FMC and RESOLVE, how both organizations learn from each other, and how they work together to amplify their impact. * The Ongoing Fight for Equity: Even with the progress made, there’s still work to do. Carolynn breaks down the various funding models across provinces, explaining the disparities and the ongoing fight to ensure everyone has equitable access to fertility care. * Fertility Care in Provincial Elections: The surprising success of getting fertility coverage included in provincial campaign platforms, and what that means for the future of fertility care access in Canada. * What’s Next for Fertility Matters Canada: Carolynn shares insights into FMC's next big steps in advocacy, including an upcoming federal grassroots campaign that will give Canadians a voice in the upcoming federal election. Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever wondered how advocacy for fertility care plays out in different countries, this episode offers valuable insight into Canada’s progress and challenges. Carolynn’s passion and expertise in fertility advocacy shine through as she discusses how grassroots efforts are creating real change, and how organizations like FMC are working to ensure fertility care is seen as a vital part of healthcare in Canada. Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or someone navigating fertility challenges, this conversation is sure to inspire and inform. Call to Action: Fertility access in Canada is advancing, but there’s more work to be done. If you're in Canada—or know someone who is—get involved with Fertility Matters Canada and help continue the push for universal fertility coverage. Visit FertilityMattersCanada.ca to learn more, support the cause, and find out how you can make a difference. 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 episodes and visit resolve.org to explore how you can support fertility access in your community. Listener Links / Resources https://www.fertilitymatters.ca/ [https://www.fertilitymatters.ca/] https://www.fertilitymatters.ca/involve/programs/podcast/ [https://www.fertilitymatters.ca/involve/programs/podcast/]