The Repro Files Podcast

PODCAST · health

The Repro Files Podcast

The Repro Files Podcast dives headfirst into the raw, rage-filled, and relentlessly human realities of reproductive health care in America. It's everything “Infertility, Injustice, and All the Things Nobody Warned You About."Co-hosts AnnMarie Luft and Elizabeth Lee bring decades of frontline nursing experience, policy insight, and unfiltered storytelling to the mic. The show is unapologetically intersectional, blending clinical expertise with social justice advocacy to tackle the issues most platforms won’t touch: IVF denial, abortion bans, LGBTQ+ family building, Medicaid collapse, immigration injustice, and the personal toll of living in a system designed to fail you.Each weekly episode of The Repro Files features a mix of personal narratives, expert interviews, policy breakdowns, and what the hosts call their “rage share of the week”—a segment spotlighting real-world consequences of legislative overreach and systemic neglect.Listeners can expect fearless coverage of the cost of t

  1. 33

    National Infertility Awareness Week with Special Guest, Elizabeth Carr- America's First IVF Baby

    The conversation with Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby born in the United States, delves into the challenges and triumphs of her parents' journey to conceive her through IVF. It also explores the ongoing struggle for insurance coverage, the impact of IVF advocacy, and the personal experiences and feelings of IVF children. Elizabeth shares her concerns and hopes for the future of reproductive medicine. The conversation covers the topics of patient autonomy and access to care, controversy and misunderstanding of IVF, and advocacy and awareness for infertility. Elizabeth Carr discusses the importance of patient autonomy, the controversy surrounding IVF, and the ongoing need for advocacy and awareness in the field of infertility.TakeawaysThe ongoing challenges of access to IVF care and insurance coverageThe impact of IVF advocacy and the personal experiences of IVF children Patient autonomy is crucial in the decision-making process for fertility treatments.Advocacy and awareness are essential for addressing the controversy and misunderstanding surrounding IVF.Chapters00:00 The First IVF Baby in the United States06:03 The Ongoing Struggle for IVF Coverage12:30 Challenges Faced as the First IVF Baby19:38 The Voice of IVF Children24:43 Patient Autonomy and Access to Care32:47 Controversy and Misunderstanding of IVF

  2. 32

    The Impact of Language and Managing Uncertainty in Fertility Treatment

    The conversation explores the impact of language on fertility patients and the challenges of managing uncertainty in fertility treatment. It delves into the use of specific phrases and terminology in the context of failed cycles and the two-week wait, highlighting the emotional and psychological effects on patients. Additionally, it discusses the societal and generational influences on self-blame and the quest for control in the face of fertility challenges. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of uncertainty and blame in the context of fertility struggles. It also explores the influence of societal expectations on individuals' experiences with fertility and parenting.TakeawaysImpact of language on fertility patientsManaging uncertainty in fertility treatment Uncertainty and the internalization of blameThe impact of societal expectations on fertility and parentingChapters00:00 The Power of Words in Fertility Treatment25:23 Navigating Uncertainty and Blame

  3. 31

    To Test Or Not To Test: Talking About PGT

    The conversation delves into the world of IVF and PGT, exploring the ethical, financial, and societal implications of genetic testing. It highlights the challenges and complexities of decision-making, access, and the impact of cost on patient choices. The discussion also touches on the role of regulatory oversight and the need for greater accessibility to genetic testing.TakeawaysPGT and PGTM testing in IVFCost and accessibility of genetic testingEthical and societal implications of genetic testing

  4. 30

    Reproductive Health in the News: How It Is Impacting Us

    The conversation covers a range of topics including personal updates, a case of forced C-section, the psychological impact of labor and delivery, the role of doulas in labor and delivery, the impact of birth control misinformation, reproductive coercion and historical context, discussion on the SAVE Act and legislative impact, and fetal death certificate and heartbeat registration. The speakers discuss the psychological implications of labor and delivery, the impact of birth control misinformation, and the legislative impact of the SAVE Act. The conversation delves into the legal implications of abortion and its impact on women's reproductive health, highlighting challenges in certain states. It also explores the impact of government policies on healthcare, the tactics used by crisis pregnancy centers, and the impact of the political climate on healthcare, including efforts for change and accountability.TakeawaysPsychological impact of labor and deliveryRole of doulas in labor and delivery Legal implications of abortionImpact on women's reproductive healthTactics used by crisis pregnancy centersMisinformation and manipulationImpact of political climate on healthcareEfforts for change and accountabilityChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates09:08 Impact of Birth Control Misinformation19:30 Reproductive Coercion and Historical Context25:52 Reproductive Health and Legal Implications35:18 Impact of Political Climate on Healthcare

  5. 29

    Fertility Support for You: With Guests Allie Moise and Jenn Creacy of Cove

    The conversation features the founders of Cove Family, Allie and Jenn, who share their personal experiences with infertility and the founding of Cove Family. They discuss the challenges they faced, the need for support, and the changing landscape of fertility support. They also highlight the importance of human connection and the role of peer support in infertility treatment. The conversation covers various aspects of mental health support, AI utilization, and the impact of legislation on fertility treatment. It also delves into the importance of human connection and support for partners in the fertility journey.TakeawaysInfertility support is evolving to meet the changing needs of patients.Human connection and peer support play a crucial role in providing emotional support during infertility treatment. Mental health support is crucial for patients undergoing fertility treatment.AI can be a valuable tool in fertility clinics, but its implementation and reliability are key considerations.

  6. 28

    Hear Ye, Hear Ye! News of the Week

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the reproductive news that has come out this past week. Elizabeth and Ann Marie spoke on endometriosis awareness last week and the film "This is Endometriosis" won a BAFTA, coincidence? Perhaps. The AHA has a new study on the link between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular health. AI is all the rage- how will it impact nursing? The Repro Files reacts to the American Nurses' Association's (ANA) President's keynote speech at the ACNL's conference last month. Hear about the big news about Costco, Sesame and IVI RMA- steep medication discounts. They share personal experiences and insights, shedding light on important issues in reproductive health and healthcare technology. The conversation covers an update on the embryo mix-up case in Longwood, Florida, abortion legislation and women's rights, and the significance of women's history in healthcare. TakeawaysEndometriosis awarenessImpact of pregnancy complications on cardiovascular healthRole of AI in healthcare Nursing education challengesAI in healthcareCostco, Sesame and IVI RMA and fertility medicationsEmbryo mix-up caseAbortion legislationWomen's history in healthcare

  7. 27

    Endometriosis Awareness Month: Elizabeth Shares Her Personal Endometriosis Story

    The episode begins with a podcast milestone celebration and a discussion about Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells. It then transitions to Endometriosis Awareness Month, followed by an exploration of endometriosis, its symptoms, and challenges in diagnosis. The conversation delves into the difficulties in diagnosing and treating endometriosis, as well as the insurance and healthcare challenges associated with the condition. Elizabeth shares her own personal journey with endometriosis. Please join us for this informative and personal episode.

  8. 26

    When “Go Forth And Multiply” Doesn’t Add Up

    Elizabeth and Ann Marie are back at it with the newest episode of The Repro Files. This week they tackle the pressure of young people to procreate. The conversation covers the government's messaging on fertility and the financial implications of having children. The conversation delves into the challenges of the healthcare system, its impact on family planning, the societal shift, and the need for political will to address these issues. It emphasizes the importance of healthcare reform and the need for comprehensive solutions to support family planning and reproductive health. Ann Marie also goes full-on nerd and gets to talk about Star Trek. TakeawaysGovernment messaging on fertilityFinancial implications of having children Healthcare system challengesImpact of healthcare on family planningChapters00:00 Government Messaging on Fertility11:45 Financial Implications of Having Children23:17 Challenges of the Healthcare System31:05 Societal Shift and Political Will37:23 Addressing the Problem

  9. 25

    Just Scratching the Surface Of Reproductive Mental Health

    Join Elizabeth and Ann Marie and guest, Dr. Julie Bindeman as they weave a tapestry about reproductive mental health. They touch on the psych consult that some clinics require or recommend, what a reproductive psychologist's role is, men's mental health in regard to infertility, how the outside world has influence on our mental health.

  10. 24

    Choosing Cancer Risk Reducing Surgery, A Peek at TrumpRx and that Super Bowl LX Ad

    Our conversation covers a range of topics related to health awareness, genetic mutations, and personalized decision-making. It delves into the impact of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations on cancer risk, the importance of individualized choice, and the role of support systems in decision-making. Additionally, it explores the question of insurance coverage for testing and prophylactic surgery, sparking a dialogue around these important issues. We transition to looking at the new website for TrumpRx and what fertility medications are available for coupons. We end with a comment on the prostate ad that aired during the Super Bowl this past Sunday.

  11. 23

    Fertility Horror Stories and What Really Happens in an Embryology Lab.

    We see the headlines- embryo mix-ups at a fertility clinic. These stories are tragic. Are these mix-ups common? How can this happen? We explore this emotional topic and speak with a senior embryologist to get a better understanding of the embryology lab.

  12. 22

    A Conversation on Talking to Your LGBTQ Child and the Art of Compassionate Communication

    Elizabeth and Ann Marie are joined by guest, Heather Hester, author of Parenting With Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen and podcaster of More Human More Kind. The conversation delves into the importance of representation and the power of open-mindedness and acceptance, highlighting the journey of acceptance and understanding, parenting and supporting LGBTQ+ children, and cultural acceptance and representation. Can Ann Marie learn to control her facial expressions? We shall see....

  13. 21

    Get Me Off This Thing Called 2026

    The conversation delves into the challenges and uncertainties of the year 2026, highlighting the impact on reproductive health legislation and the complexities of navigating fertility medication costs. The hosts discuss the overwhelming news cycle, the need for reliable information sources, and the potential implications of new legislation on fertility treatment access and affordability. The conversation covers the impact of legislation on reproductive health, highlighting the challenges of transparent drug pricing and legislative efficiency. It delves into California's SB729, South Carolina's House Bill 3537, and Florida's HB331, each addressing significant aspects of infertility coverage, IVF, and reproductive health education.Takeaways2026: A Year of UncertaintyReproductive Health LegislationNavigating Fertility Medication Costs Legislation Impacting Reproductive HealthChallenges in Legislative Efficiency

  14. 20

    Ann Marie Solo: 2025 Retrospective

    In Elizabeth's absence, Ann Marie takes over the studio and covers a retrospective of 2025, including legislative impact on reproductive health, National Infertility Awareness Week, maternal health monitoring, a fertility clinic bombing, federal advocacy day, state legislators, ASRM Congress, reproductive health misinformation, federal guidance, pharmaceutical discounts, California Senate Bill 729, and reproductive health concerns. TakeawaysReproductive health advocacyLegislative impact on reproductive health

  15. 19

    When the Odds Aren’t in Your Favor: Still Showing Up for Patients

    In this episode of The Repro Files, Elizabeth and AnnMarie sit down with Dr. Eric Chang, DO, a reproductive endocrinologist with CNY Fertility in Rochester, New York, to explore what it truly means to care for patients when the odds are not in their favor. Dr. Chang shares his personal journey into medicine, why he chose osteopathic training and how he ultimately found his calling in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.The conversation centers on Dr. Chang’s dedication to patients of advanced maternal age, a group often reduced to statistics rather than seen as whole people. Together, they discuss how osteopathic principles shape his approach to fertility care, how he balances honesty with compassion and why “trying” does not mean making promises but does mean refusing to give up on patients prematurely.This episode offers an inside look at the emotional and ethical realities of fertility medicine, including systemic barriers, age-based cutoffs and the quiet courage it takes for physicians to stay engaged even when outcomes are uncertain. For patients and providers alike, this is a powerful reminder that dignity, effort and individualized care still matter in reproductive medicine.About Dr. Eric Chang:Dr. Eric Chang is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and a Diplomate of the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology who practices at CNY Fertility, serving the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and greater upstate New York region. He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed specialized training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. As a DO, Dr. Chang integrates osteopathic principles of holistic care with advanced reproductive medicine, focusing on personalized fertility treatment for patients across a wide range of diagnoses. Dr. Chang works with individuals navigating complex fertility challenges, including those of advanced maternal age, and aims to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique journey.

  16. 18

    The Dark Underbelly of Surrogacy: Exploitation, Trafficking, and Systemic Risk

    A recent New York Times Magazine investigation exposed a disturbing reality within parts of the global surrogacy industry: women recruited under false pretenses, coerced across borders and exploited through loosely regulated reproductive labor arrangements.In this episode of The Repro Files, nurse advocates Elizabeth Lee and AnnMarie Luft unpack what happens when surrogacy moves from ethical family building into something far darker. We examine how fragmented laws, reproductive tourism and profit-driven intermediaries create conditions where exploitation and even trafficking can occur.This is a pro-ethics, pro-patient and pro-accountability conversation about where the system fails and what reproductive medicine must confront head-on.

  17. 17

    Make It Make Sense: Congress Gets IVF, Soldiers Don’t, And Men Are Betting On Menstrual Cycles

    This week, Elizabeth and Ann Marie break down one of the most chaotic stretches in reproductive health news. From Congress quietly stripping IVF coverage for military families to men literally placing bets on WNBA players’ menstrual cycles, America continues to prove it is not serious about reproductive autonomy.We get into:• The NDAA IVF debacle and why military families are being left behind• Congressional hypocrisy on IVF coverage• What actually happened to Trump’s so-called IVF plan• Men using menstrual cycle assumptions for gambling analysis• The actual science on cycle phase and athletic performance• Ohio’s push to mandate the medically inaccurate “Baby Olivia” video• South Carolina’s near passage of an extreme bill criminalizing abortion, IUDs, and IVFListen in today to hear evidence-based insight into why these issues matter for families everywhere.

  18. 16

    Debunking Fertility Myths: What You Need to Know

    Ever been told to eat pineapple core before transfer? Lie flat for 20 minutes? Wave essential oils toward your cervix? Welcome to the wild world of fertility urban legends. In this episode, Elizabeth and AnnMarie break down the funniest, strangest, and most persistent myths they’ve heard in clinic and online, then separate fact from fiction with ASRM-aligned science.Come for the chaos, stay for the comedy — and leave knowing what actually matters in your fertility journey.

  19. 15

    Holidays, Grief, and Infertility -Preparing for the Season When Your Heart Is Already Heavy

    The holidays can be a time of light, ritual, and family. They can also be a season of sharp grief for anyone navigating infertility, miscarriage, IVF cycles or infant loss. In this episode, Elizabeth and Ann Marie unpack the emotional, clinical and relational pressures that collide during this time of year and offer evidence-informed strategies to approach the season with gentleness, boundaries and support.Drawing on ASRM guidance on the psychological impact of infertility and peer-reviewed data showing that infertility-related distress rivals that seen in other major medical conditions, this episode explores why holiday environments intensify grief, how to respond to invasive questions, and how to prepare if you are cycling or coping with loss. It also provides scripts, coping tools and practical logistical planning to help listeners design a holiday season that protects their mental and emotional health.Whether you are personally walking this path or supporting someone who is, this conversation aims to validate the complexity of holiday grief and provide a framework for navigating the weeks ahead with intention, clarity and compassion.

  20. 14

    Let’s Talk Men’s Health — From Heart to Hormones

    In this powerful Men’s Health Month episode, Elizabeth and Ann Marie pull back the curtain on the issues men face but rarely discuss. From the silent rise of cardiovascular disease and diabetes to the deep connections between testosterone, metabolic health, mental wellness, and fertility, this conversation offers an evidence-driven and compassionate look at men’s whole-person health.Listeners will learn why sperm health reflects overall health, how stress and identity shape physical outcomes, and what fertility clinics can do to support men with dignity. The episode breaks down lifestyle factors, hormonal balance, the mental health crisis among men, and the global decline in sperm counts with clarity and empathy.Whether you’re a man looking for answers, a partner hoping to start meaningful conversations, or a fertility professional seeking a deeper understanding of male health, this episode gives you the science and the human insight you need.

  21. 13

    ASRM 2025: Science, Shenanigans & San Antonio

    This week, AnnMarie and Elizabeth are back from an unforgettable trip to San Antonio for the 2025 ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo — and they’re spilling all the tea!From the science that moved them to the conversations that changed them, the hosts share their favorite sessions, big takeaways, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments (including what really happens when thousands of fertility professionals descend on the River Walk).They also reflect on how the field is evolving, why collaboration across disciplines matters now more than ever, and how it felt to see reproductive medicine at its most united, inspired, and determined.Grab your coffee (or your conference lanyard), because this one’s a mix of gratitude, gossip, and a genuine love for the work fertility professionals do.

  22. 12

    Defending the Science of Reproductive Medicine

    In this powerful pre-ASRM 2025 episode, hosts Elizabeth Lee and AnnMarie Luft unpack one of the most consequential moments in reproductive medicine’s modern history. With the field under mounting political, economic, and ideological pressure, they break down the week’s biggest headlines — from new federal guidance on fertility coverage to EMD Serono’s sweeping drug discounts — and what those moves really mean for patients and providers.Building on Elizabeth’s white paper and upcoming presentation, Defending the Science of Reproductive Medicine, this conversation dives deep into how misinformation, profit motives, and ideology are reshaping access to care — and how clinicians can fight back with data, empathy, and courage.From patent games that keep fertility medications unaffordable to political movements redefining embryos as “persons,” Elizabeth and AnnMarie explore the urgent need to protect evidence-based medicine from ideological interference. They call for reform rooted in transparency, coverage equity, and patient-centered ethics — reminding us that science doesn’t defend itself. People do.Listeners will come away informed, inspired, and ready to join the movement to safeguard reproductive autonomy.📍 Recorded the week before ASRM 2025 in San Antonio, Texas💡 Key quote: “When ideology masquerades as medicine, patients lose time, moneyand often their only chance at parenthood.”🎧 Tune in and join the conversation using #ASRM2025, #TheReproFiles and #DefendScience

  23. 11

    Planning Your Parenthood

    In this candid, evidence-based conversation, Elizabeth and AnnMarie dive into one of the most practical and empowering topics in reproductive health - contraception. From abstinence to IUDs and everything in between, they explore how knowledge, choice and autonomy intersect in planning one’s reproductive future.Together, they break down:Why informed decision-making is essential to reproductive autonomyThe full spectrum of contraceptive options — hormonal, non-hormonal, and permanentCommon myths and real-world effectiveness ratesThe importance of comprehensive, age-appropriate sex educationASRM and ESHRE recommendations for contraceptive counseling and accessHow systemic inequities and policy gaps still shape who gets to make empowered choicesWith humor, data, and compassion, Elizabeth and AnnMarie guide listeners through the science and the stigma ... debunking misconceptions, sharing clinical insight and calling for equity in reproductive healthcare.Because planning your parenthood shouldn’t be political — it should be personal, informed, and supported by science.Listen if you want to understand your contraceptive options, learn how to talk to your teen (or your partner) about birth control, or simply explore how evidence-based medicine and reproductive justice intersect.References:American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Practice Committee Guidelines; European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Position Statements on Contraceptive Care; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Studies on Comprehensive Sex Education.

  24. 10

    Pride in the Name of Love

    It’s the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, and we’re diving headfirst into the intersections of reproductive justice, queer family building, and the battles that still lie ahead.In this episode of The Repro Files, Elizabeth and AnnMarie sit down with Lis Regula — advocate, educator, author, and policy director at Men Having Babies, a nonprofit helping gay men worldwide pursue parenthood through surrogacy and advocacy.Together we tackle the big questions:Has the LGBTQ+ community truly secured a place at the reproductive rights table?How are movements like “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” working to exclude queer families?What legal risks could emerge if Obergefell v. Hodges were ever overturned?Why are costs such an overwhelming barrier for same-sex couples pursuing parenthood, and how is Men Having Babies fighting to change that?What does inclusive sex education really look like in an era of book bans, “parental rights” laws, and drag show restrictions?Lis brings candor, evidence, and lived experience to a conversation that spans policy, culture, and the universal drive to build a family.

  25. 9

    From Misinformation to Motherhood: Jess’ Journey with PCOS, IVF, and the Truth About RRM

    In this episode of The Repro Files Podcast, Elizabeth sits down with Jess, a science teacher, mother of two, and patient advocate who bravely shared her story on Capitol Hill earlier this month.Jess opens up about her fertility journey with PCOS -- the conservative measures she tried, the doctors she saw, and the online voices she trusted along the way. Together, we unpack how misinformation spreads, particularly the dangerous claim that “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” is an equivalent alternative to IVF.We set the record straight with clinical accuracy and real-world experience. From the existing ASRM-endorsed diagnostic framework to the lived reality of infertility patients, this episode makes one thing clear -- science, not ideology, must guide reproductive healthcare.Above all, Jess’ resilience shines through. With honesty and courage, she shares how IVF gave her the gift of two beautiful children—a 3-year-old daughter and a 4-month-old son.Tune in for an inspiring conversation at the intersection of evidence, policy, and the patient voice.

  26. 8

    Nurse Lee Goes to Washington, Part II: From Capitol Hill to Acetaminophen

    This week on The Repro Files, we pick up where we left off in “Nurse Lee Goes to Washington.” Elizabeth shares her experiences on Capitol Hill—what surprised her most in D.C., how the Restorative Reproductive Medicine briefings landed with lawmakers, and whether there’s any hope of bipartisan agreement on reproductive health policy.Then, we tackle the latest headline-grabber: the administration’s announcement linking acetaminophen to autism. With the help of rigorous data from JAMA, ACOG, and the CDC, Elizabeth and Ann Marie bring clarity to a complex issue and explains why oversimplifying autism’s causes is misleading and dangerous.Finally, AnnMarie lightens things up with a PSA you didn’t know you needed on reproductive hygiene. From “the hair down there” to period hacks, testicular self-exams, and yes… smegma, we talk about the real-world questions patients obsess over but rarely get straight answers to.It’s 45 minutes of science, advocacy, and a little bit of humor . . . because reproductive health deserves both expertise and honesty.

  27. 7

    Lives on the Line: Gun Violence, Infant Mortality, and the Politics of Reproductive Freedom

    On this week’s episode of The Repro Files Podcast, AnnMarie and Elizabeth confront the hard truth that lives are on the line when it comes to reproductive freedom. They begin with the tragic school shooting in Minnesota, honoring the children and families whose futures were stolen by gun violence—a crisis that shapes not only public safety but also the ability of parents to raise their children without fear.From there, the focus shifts to Mississippi, where the Department of Health has declared a public emergency as infant mortality rates climb to the highest levels in more than a decade. The hosts discuss proposed solutions, from building an OB System of Care to eliminating maternity care deserts, while underscoring the political barriers—like hospital closures and Medicaid expansion—that continue to cost lives.The conversation then moves to state-level policy battles that threaten the very foundation of reproductive healthcare. In Texas, a new law opens the door for citizens to sue anyone connected to abortion medication. In South Carolina, a fetal personhood bill could criminalize standard IVF practices, endangering patients desperate to build their families. And in Florida, lawmakers push to weaken vaccine protections, leaving children and communities more vulnerable.Zooming out, AnnMarie and Elizabeth situate these developments within a broader global context—reminding listeners that the United States remains the only wealthy nation without guaranteed paid parental leave—and even take a lighter detour through history with 200-year-old condoms on display in Amsterdam.The episode closes with Elizabeth’s upcoming trip to Capitol Hill, where she will advocate for IVF protections, expanded insurance coverage, and policies that affirm the right to family building as a cornerstone of reproductive freedom.

  28. 6

    It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here: The Real Deal on Menopause

    This week, Elizabeth and AnnMarie tackle a topic that half the population will experience but too few are prepared for: menopause. From hot flashes to hormone replacement therapy, they cut through the stigma, myths, and misinformation to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood stages of life.In this episode, they break down:The science of perimenopause and menopause—what’s happening in the body and whyCommon symptoms (yes, it’s more than hot flashes) and how they affect daily lifeEvidence-based treatment options, including HRT, non-hormonal therapies, and lifestyle interventionsWhy menopause remains under-researched, underfunded, and too often dismissed by providersHow cultural silence and workplace stigma make an already challenging transition harder for millions of womenPractical tips for patients, families, and providers to start better conversations about this universal life stageWith humor, hard truths, and heart, Elizabeth and AnnMarie turn up the heat on a subject long overdue for honesty. The message is clear: menopause isn’t the end of the story—it’s a new chapter, and it deserves respect, science, and support.

  29. 5

    RRM, Personhood, and the Fertility Shell Game

    This week, Elizabeth and AnnMarie decode yet another acronym in the fertility alphabet soup: RRM (Restorative Reproductive Medicine). At first glance, it sounds innovative and holistic. But dig deeper, and it’s less about science and more about ideology.In this episode, they break down:What RRM actually is — and why it’s just old diagnostics repackagedHow politics and personhood laws are driving its rise as a supposed “alternative” to IVFThe real risks of embedding conservative ideology into fertility careWhy RRM excludes entire groups of patients, from cancer survivors to LGBTQ+ familiesHow misinformation spreads when patients feel dismissed in traditional fertility settingsWith humor, history, and hard truths, Elizabeth and AnnMarie connect the dots between patient care, policy, and propaganda. The takeaway? Infertility is medical, not moral — and patients deserve evidence-based options, not bait-and-switch ideology.Bonus: It’s PCOS Awareness Month, and your hosts aren’t letting that slip by unnoticed.

  30. 4

    The Birds + The Bees

    In this episode, Elizabeth and AnnMarie tackle the word everyone whispers but rarely discusses out loud: sex. From awkward childhood lessons to today’s culture wars, they trace how sex education has evolved, and why silence, shame, and politics have shaped generations of misunderstanding.Listeners can expect:Personal stories of early sex-ed experiences (yes, including Saved by the Bell and nuns in Catholic school)How U.S. sex ed shifted from abstinence-only to risk reduction to today’s fractured landscapeWhy silence and shame put kids at risk, from abuse prevention to reproductive healthThe role of inclusivity in fighting stigma, toxic online spaces, and rape cultureReal-world solutions that work: peer educators, LGBTQ+ support programs, and healthcare–school partnershipsThe bottom line? Comprehensive sex education saves lives. Elizabeth and AnnMarie close with a call to action for parents, educators, and advocates: know your state’s policies, reflect on your own education, and commit to breaking the silence for the next generation.Next week: the curtain lifts on fertility clinics — from snake oil to evidence-based care.

  31. 3

    Broken Systems + Broken Promises

    Politicians love to make promises about protecting families and expanding access to care — but what happens when those promises collapse under the weight of politics and power?In this episode, Elizabeth and AnnMarie take you inside the fight for reproductive healthcare access. From the Senate’s repeated failures to pass the Right to IVF Act, to Trump’s bizarre claims of being the “father of IVF,” to the devastating Medicaid cuts wrapped inside the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” we unpack how broken promises create broken systems that leave patients behind.We’ll dive into:The political theater around IVF and how it impacts real familiesMedicaid cuts and the rural hospital crisis ... and what that means for parents, patients, and providersThe dark history of maternal mortality in the U.S. and why disparities persistWhy abortion bans are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to losing access to OB careMost importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do now .... from demanding accountability from lawmakers to supporting policies like the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.This episode is raw, informed, and rooted in both history and lived experience. If you care about IVF, maternal health or just the right to basic medical care, this is one you won’t want to miss.Tune in, share your story ([email protected]) and join us in demanding better. Because when politicians treat reproductive healthcare like laundry ... piling it up, ignoring it, and letting it turn into a mess ... it’s patients who pay the price.

  32. 2

    Infertility, Injustice, and All Things No One Warned You About

    In this inaugural episode of "The Repro Files," hosts Elizabeth Lee and Ann Marie Luft delve into the complex intersection of politics and healthcare. As experienced nurses, they share personal stories and insights on how political decisions impact healthcare access and quality. From the challenges of fertility treatments to the systemic issues within hospital systems, they explore the pressing need for policy changes that truly understand and support healthcare professionals and patients alike. Join them as they pull back the curtain on the injustices hidden behind sterile waiting rooms and state house doors. Tune in for a raw, real, and sometimes ridiculous journey into the heart of healthcare advocacy.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Repro Files Podcast dives headfirst into the raw, rage-filled, and relentlessly human realities of reproductive health care in America. It's everything “Infertility, Injustice, and All the Things Nobody Warned You About."Co-hosts AnnMarie Luft and Elizabeth Lee bring decades of frontline nursing experience, policy insight, and unfiltered storytelling to the mic. The show is unapologetically intersectional, blending clinical expertise with social justice advocacy to tackle the issues most platforms won’t touch: IVF denial, abortion bans, LGBTQ+ family building, Medicaid collapse, immigration injustice, and the personal toll of living in a system designed to fail you.Each weekly episode of The Repro Files features a mix of personal narratives, expert interviews, policy breakdowns, and what the hosts call their “rage share of the week”—a segment spotlighting real-world consequences of legislative overreach and systemic neglect.Listeners can expect fearless coverage of the cost of t

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The Repro Files Podcast

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