In the wake of the Dobbs decision that effectively ended federal abortion rights protection under Roe v Wade, the fate of IVF and fertility treatments has been hanging in the balance.

In Alabama in February/March of 2024, a decision on the rights of a fetus brought IVF to a halt. Was this was the “pro-life” movement had in mind? To prohibit people from building the families they envision?

Fortunately, that outcome was “patched,” thanks to activism by reproductive rights’ advocates, among others. One of the most important voices in this ongoing conversation (and spoiler: this conversation didn’t start when Roe v Wade ended) is that of Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States.

Elizabeth Carr, who has been “in the media since three cells old,” chose a career in journalism, and she is now fully in as an advocate for fertility treatments like IVF. She has a podcast called The First, does public speaking, hosts events, and speaks out when needed to protect the rights of people to create their families as they choose. Learn more about Elizabeth on her website: https://ejordancarr.com/.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Introducing Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States.

[2:22] The timeline up and through the Alabama Supreme Court decision

• Impacts of the AL Supreme Court decision
• Governor Ivey’s bill to protect IVF

[8:26] Impact of the AL decision on IVF access

[13:23] “Personhood” bills and their impacts on IVF and embryo freezing

• Alabama shows the need for education around fertility treatments
• Fertility treatments are not discussed accurately by media and politicians

[19:08] The truths of IVF

• IVF helps those with infertility, cancer survivors, those who’ve suffered missed miscarriages, etc.
• IVF stigma can cause pharmacists to refuse to provide needed medication for fear of repercussions

[24:14] Attending the President’s State of the Union address

[26.18] Why is IVF so polarizing?

[33:30] Infertility advocacy and reproductive rights

[43:04] Calls to action

Resources mentioned: 

doctorsforfertility.com

fightforfamilies.resolve.org

ASRM Advocacy

Find Elizabeth Carr

The First podcast

Elizabeth Carr on Instagram @ejordan12

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