Wantedness: Helping People Achieve Their Reproductive Goals with Dr. Leonard Lopoo
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Episode Notes
What does it mean to truly support people's reproductive goals?
In this episode of Perinatal and Reproductive Perspectives, Becky speaks with Leonard M. Lopoo, author of Wanting Children and the Paul Volcker Chair at Syracuse University's Maxwell School, about the intersection of infertility, family planning, public policy, and reproductive justice.
While conversations about reproductive health often focus on preventing unintended pregnancy, Leonard argues that family planning should also include meaningful support for people who want children but face barriers to becoming parents. Together, Becky and Leonard explore infertility treatment access, IVF coverage, reproductive policy, health equity, and the historical forces that continue to shape fertility care today.
This thought-provoking conversation examines how policy decisions affect real families and asks an important question: How can we better support people in building the families they want?
Topics Discussed
The concept of "wantedness" and why it matters for children, families, and society
Why family planning should support individual reproductive goals
The history of family planning policy in the United States
The relationship between reproductive justice, health equity, and fertility care
How infertility remains largely excluded from many public support systems
IVF access, insurance coverage, and state-by-state disparities
The emotional and psychological impact of infertility
Economic barriers that prevent many people from becoming parents
Paid leave, childcare, housing, and other policies that influence family formation
Ethical questions surrounding IVF, genetic testing, and reproductive technology
Why reducing financial pressure may improve fertility care outcomes
Opportunities for advocacy and policy change in infertility care
Guest information
Leonard M. Lopoo is the Paul Volcker Chair and Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at Syracuse University's Maxwell School. His research focuses on public policy, family formation, fertility, social welfare programs, and demographic change. He is the author of Wanting Children, a book examining how policy shapes reproductive choices and access to family-building resources.
Resources
Leonard M. Lopoo's book explores how public policy influences family formation, reproductive decision-making, contraception, infertility care, and fertility trends in the United States.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Leonard M. Lopoo's book explores how public policy influences family formation, reproductive decision-making, contraception, infertility care, and fertility trends in the United States.
Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
One of the nation's leading schools of public affairs and public policy, where Leonard Lopoo serves as professor and researcher focused on family policy and demographic change.
Additional Resources
Leonard M. Lopoo's book explores how public policy influences family formation, reproductive decision-making, contraception, infertility care, and fertility trends in the United States.
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