Participating in RESOLVE – The National Fertility Association’s Advocacy Day in Washington, DC through virtual call

Fertility Care Beyond IVF: Advocating for Access, Collaboration, and Whole-Body Support

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May 28, 2025•2 min read

Fertility Care Beyond IVF: Advocating for Access, Collaboration, and Whole-Body Support

By Dr. Carmel Dekel Wiseman

Participating in RESOLVE – The National Fertility Association’s Advocacy Day in Washington, DC has been a powerful and inspiring experience. Standing alongside fellow professionals, advocates, and individuals from all walks of life, the message we brought to lawmakers was unified and clear: fertility care is essential health care — and it must be accessible, inclusive, and comprehensive.

Fertility Is More Than IVF

For many, the path to parenthood is framed through the lens of IVF. And while IVF is an incredible medical advancement that has helped countless families grow, it is not the only path — nor should it be the default starting point.

Too often overlooked is the world of functional fertility care: a personalized, holistic approach that supports the body, mind, and environment in preparation for healthy conception and the birth of healthy children. This approach includes:

  • Nutritional and metabolic optimization

  • Hormonal and gut health balancing

  • Emotional and mental wellbeing

  • Detoxification and environmental support

  • Collaborative care between functional and conventional providers

This kind of care doesn't just help people “get pregnant” — it helps them prepare for parenthood in a way that supports lifelong health for both parent and child.

Collaboration is the Key to Progress

What became abundantly clear during Advocacy Day is that no single practitioner, clinic, or policy can solve the fertility crisis alone. We need collaboration across disciplines, from reproductive endocrinologists to functional medicine practitioners, from policymakers to patients.

By expanding our definition of fertility care, we can meet people where they are — and help them go further. Whether a person needs IVF, cycle support, or preconception functional optimization, they deserve to have options, guidance, and coverage.

Access to care must include access to choices.

Shifting the Conversation

Advocating for fertility care also means shifting the conversation:
Not just about getting pregnant, but about creating the healthiest foundation for a thriving family.
 Not just about insurance for IVF, but about coverage for the full spectrum of fertility support.
Not just about outcomes, but about long-term wellness.

This movement is about more than medicine — it’s about justice, equity, and the recognition that reproductive health is not optional. It's essential.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

If we want to truly support people on their fertility journeys, we must:

  • Push for insurance coverage that includes functional and integrative care

  • Educate lawmakers on the realities of fertility struggles and holistic solutions

  • Collaborate across medical disciplines to deliver personalized, effective care

  • Empower individuals and couples with the tools to understand and support their fertility

RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day is one moment in a larger movement — and I’m honored to be a part of it. Let’s continue working together so that everyone, everywhere, has access to the fertility care they need — and deserve.


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