Reproductive Health Crisis & Challenges - The United States faces a reproductive health crisis with poor outcomes compared to other developed countries, including declining fertility, rising infertility and pregnancy complications, and high maternal mortality rates, especially among Black and Indigenous people [4][5] - Current healthcare systems often overlook the critical moments that profoundly shape reproductive health outcomes, focusing instead on interventions like IVF [4] - By the time individuals seek fertility treatment, a critical window of opportunity has often been missed [12] Factors Influencing Reproductive Health - Health before pregnancy significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes, predicting a woman's midlife health, longevity, and the health of the next generation [10] - Environmental factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and exposure to toxins, play a large role in reproductive health [9][14][15] - Social determinants of health, such as access to safe spaces, fresh food, reliable healthcare, and supportive workplace policies, significantly influence reproductive wellness [16][17] Recommendations & Solutions - The industry needs to shift from treating fertility as something to fix to something to nurture, emphasizing health before conception [19] - Democratizing access to complete fertility care is crucial, alongside critical thinking about the environment surrounding family building [13] - Advocacy for paid parental leave, affordable childcare, workplace and environmental regulations, and reliable access to high-quality healthcare and reproductive education is essential [17][18]