YABM’s Statement on Excepted Fertility Benefits for Distribution

To whom it may concern,

I am Emily Kirksey, a registered nurse, FEMM fertility awareness educator, and founder of You Are Beautiful Mission, a women’s health organization that educates women and men about ovulation as a vital sign of health and assists in identifying root causes of menstrual cycle dysfunction.

FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) falls under the umbrella of RRM (Restorative Reproductive Medicine). RRM focuses on diagnosing and treating root causes of infertility and women’s health conditions via precision and personalized care. RRM is set apart from ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) in that it looks at infertility as a symptom of an underlying pathology.

Because of the root cause approach of RRM, it offers an opportunity to:

  • Improve the total fertility rate

    • RRM diagnoses and treats underlying pathology and root causes with a patient-centered, holistic approach.
      The majority of women working with RRM deliver healthy, singleton pregnancies at term (IVF increases risk of premature birth, C-section, and maternal and neonatal complications).

  • Increase accessibility (rural and underserved populations with increased access)

    • RRM’s low figure costs are typically a fraction of ART’s mid-five figure costs

  • Improve overall health, reducing the burden on public health (RRM’s longitudinal, chronic- disease based approach allows for this)

    • For example, if PMOS/PCOS is left untreated, it places women at an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Discovering the root cause of PMOS and treating it with holistic treatment modalities that honor the unique design of the woman improves her current and future state of health.

I have walked with many women who desire to identify the root cause of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. This includes but is not limited to: acne, dysmenorrhea, fatigue, PMS, PMDD, migraines, irregular cycles, and infertility. Underlying conditions are often present. A 2021 study published by the JAMA found that identifiable, underlying pathology is present in approximately 85% of couples experiencing infertility. In addition, a Carrot Study published in March of 2026 showed that nearly 90% of women want underlying conditions treated.

Cycle charting is used as a key tool in the RRM diagnostic approach. Therefore, FEMM and many other RRM frameworks emphasize the importance of cycle charting. Women and men at You Are Beautiful Mission are primarily taught about the menstrual cycle as a sign of health, how to identify ovulation, how to recognize abnormal vs. normal cervical mucus biomarkers and symptoms, how to achieve or avoid pregnancy naturally, and how to tailor their diet and lifestyle to support a healthy body and reproductive system. I have provided a client testimony below to demonstrate the importance of cycle charting education and the care provided at You Are Beautiful Mission utilizing the FEMM approach.

“Emily has been an incredible resource, offering in-depth education and valuable insights into fertility and medical management, all from a holistic perspective. Through her guidance, I’ve learned how to accurately chart my cycles and gained a much deeper understanding of my hormonal health—knowledge I never received through my own medical profession or from my doctors. Emily focuses on uncovering the root causes and not just doing symptom management. Her expertise and approach are a true gift, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of women's health!" - Alicia S., 2025

I encourage you to deeply consider the impacts RRM can have on the health and wellness of women and men in America today. Better access to RRM will allow for better care and, in turn, improve the lives of countless individuals.

Sincerely,

Emily E. Kirksey | BSN, RN, Fertility Awareness Instructor

Founder of You Are Beautiful Mission
FEMM Fertility Awareness Education www.youarebeautifulmission.org | 859.287.4708