In this empowering episode of Infertility Discourse, hosts Rebecca Flick and Barb Collura sit down with two powerhouse advocates from Minnesota—Julie Berman and Miraya Gran. They dive deep into the ins and outs of advocating for fertility access, sharing the unique challenges they’ve faced in speaking with lawmakers, especially with those who may not initially support the cause. Julie and Miraya also provide an exciting update on the status of fertility preservation legislation in Minnesota, shedding light on the progress they've made and the hard work still ahead.

This episode is a testament to the resilience and determination it takes to move the needle on issues of reproductive health and rights.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Talking to Lawmakers Who Aren’t on Your Side: Julie and Miraya share their experiences advocating to lawmakers who might not be immediately supportive of fertility access and how they’ve turned tough conversations into opportunities for education and change.
• Minnesota’s Progress on Fertility Preservation Legislation: An update on the exciting strides being made in Minnesota to pass legislation that covers fertility preservation for medically induced infertility, including key bipartisan support.
• The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy: How real-life stories can make a powerful impact on lawmakers and why it’s so important for advocates to keep pushing forward, even when things seem tough.
• Grassroots Advocacy Tips: The importance of showing up, connecting with others, and staying committed, no matter the political climate.
• The Road Ahead in Minnesota: Julie and Miraya give us the latest on what’s next in the legislative process, including committee hearings and the ongoing work to get more people involved.

Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes work of advocacy, especially in the fight for fertility access. Whether you're an experienced advocate or just beginning to understand the importance of these issues, Julie and Miraya’s dedication and perseverance will inspire you. Their stories remind us all why it’s crucial to keep pushing for the policies and protections families need to build their families, no matter the obstacles.

Call to Action: Minnesota’s fertility preservation bill is gaining momentum, but advocates are still needed. If you're in Minnesota or know someone who is, get involved in the fight for access to IVF and fertility preservation. Visit MinnesotaBuildingFamilies.org to learn more, sign up for updates, and find out how you can help move the needle forward. Share this episode with your network to raise awareness about this critical cause and keep the conversation going.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Infertility Discourse for more episodes and visit resolve.org to discover more ways you can support families in need of fertility access.