Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s V.P. Running Mate, Nicole Shanahan, Calls IVF A ‘Lie About Women’s Health,’ Sparking Backlash

Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has emerged as a prominent critic of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her unwavering stance against IVF, which she describes as a “lie about women’s health,” has sparked both controversy and curiosity. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment rather than inside the uterus. This intricate process encompasses careful monitoring and stimulation of the woman’s ovulation cycle, extraction of one or more eggs from the ovaries and the subsequent fertilization of these eggs by sperm.

Shanahan has simultaneously funded innovative research aimed at extending women’s reproductive years and exploring cost-effective interventions for conception. 

The ex-wife of Google founder Sergey Brinn, Shanahan, is expected to pour millions into Kennedy’s campaign. 

Shanahan, known for her outspoken views, has consistently voiced her concerns about the IVF industry. She contends that insufficient scientific evidence underlies the widespread claims associated with IVF, which she perceives as a profit-driven enterprise. While she has not called for banning the procedure, Shanahan emphasizes the importance of informed consent and resents corporations who take advantage of the women who seek fertility treatments.

Shanahan has directed her resources toward unconventional research initiatives and expressed a desire to investigate the impact of environmental factors on reproductive health, which includes the novel concept of exploring the effects of morning sunlight exposure on mitochondrial respiration.

Shanahan’s opposition to IVF sets her apart from other candidates in the presidential race. However, it is noteworthy that Kennedy has not publicly stated his position on IVF access. The ambiguity around Kennedy’s stance on abortion access further fueled public interest in the matter. While Kennedy initially voiced support for stricter abortion regulations, his subsequent clarification indicated a different position.

Shanahan’s journey played a pivotal role in the foundation of her perspective on IVF and the fertility industry. After she was told she was not a suitable candidate for IVF due to polycystic ovary syndrome, Shanahan eventually conceived her daughter naturally, which left her dissatisfied with her initial experience. This dissatisfaction prompted her to delve into the concept of “reproductive longevity” and advocate for the natural progression of women’s reproductive rights.

As the founder and president of the Bia-Echo Foundation, Shanahan has emerged as a leading supporter of reproductive longevity research. Through substantial donations to institutions like the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, she aims to bridge the present gaps between women and men in reproduction. Shanahan questions the notion that uteruses are deemed “geriatric” prematurely and underscores the need for fundamental research in this area.

Kennedy has made waves in the campaign by embracing numerous conspiracy theories and claiming that Joe Biden is a more significant threat to democracy than Donald Trump.