u/Any_Confusion_7077

Two weeks ago, delegates at the Texas Republican Party’s convention used their platform to formally call for an end to IVF, as they argue it acts to “destroy embryonic life.” At the time, Paxton publicly disagreed and said he is a “strong supporter of IVF and pro-family policies.”

However, on Saturday Paxton did an interview wit the Washington Examiner at the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority Conference in Washington, D.C., where he expressed openness to restrictions on the procedure, telling them: “We need to have restrictions, so that we don’t lose fertilized eggs, if that’s possible, and we need to just examine the issue. But I know that there are also a lot of couples that couldn’t have children without this, and so you’ve got two competing good things that need to be dealt with.” Paxton also declined to say that he would support national right to IVF bills.

It seems like Paxton is trying to strike a balance between two constituencies: voters who support IVF access and social conservatives who believe embryos should be legally protected from fertilization onward.

Is there a realistic way to reduce embryo loss in IVF without substantially reducing success rates or increasing costs? Do you see Paxton’s comments as a genuine policy position, or primarily an attempt to navigate a politically difficult issue? Should states regulate how IVF clinics create and handle embryos, or should those decisions remain primarily between patients and their physicians?

Starter post: In excerpts from his upcoming memoir Communion, Vice President JD Vance calls his 2021 “childless cat ladies” remark “one of the dumbest things I ever said,” describing it as a “boneheaded comment” that was intentionally provocative rather than illuminating. He writes that he could have made his point more effectively and shown “a little charity” toward Americans who don’t have children for reasons beyond their control. At the same time, he suggests his underlying concern about America’s culture and attitudes toward family remains unchanged.  

Did you have concerns about Vance’s remarks during the 2024 campaign? If so, what do you make of his expressing regret? Are you considering him for 2028?

Personally, as someone who has Vance as their front runner, I appreciate the apology and thoughtfulness from him on this.

Part vent, part looking for some advice.

I have two under two, and have felt like I am absolutely drowning lately. I barely sleep and between work and the kids I have maybe an hour of free time a week, which is often spent doing the most basic of self care tasks. My husband is great but he works a lot, and it’s all been a lot.

I finally got out on a Saturday for lunch with friends, some of whom are close and some of whom are ladies I consider friends but not my best ones. All but one are moms. I had no idea the non mom has been struggling with infertility - 3 failed rounds of IVF. naturally a lot of the conversation was about kids but the friends were asking the non mom about her recent vacations and stuff like that. I don’t know what came over me but I just dumped out about how it must be nice to do all that because I’m so busy with the kids - I definitely sounded snarky and dismissive. She looked at me like I was the biggest asshole on earth and barely spoke to me for the rest of the lunch. I also turned the conversation back to my kids, since I frankly don’t feel like I have anything else to talk about right now. afterwards someone filled me in about the situation and I haven’t been able to stop cringing.

Ugh. I sent her a text apologizing and she didn’t respond. i’m usually not that person and hate that I made her feel small about her life, especially when she’s struggling, and I hate that it came from a place of me struggling too.

Today, President Trump tweeted that he is considering cancelled a series of concerts planned to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This comes as many of the artists publicly advertised to perform have withdrawn from the event, with some citing that they initially agreed thinking the event would be non-partisan. Instead, he is touting himself as a much bigger draw and is instead proposing he gives a speech at an America is Back Rally. It’s unclear if they will attempt to find other performers to keep live entertainment as a part of the planned celebrations.

What do you think of the artist’s decisions to withdraw - should they be willing to overlook President Trump’s participation in order to celebrate this milestone for America, or is it fair to pull out? Do you think President Trump is a bigger draw than other live entertainment, and is he capable of uniting the nation for America‘s 250th birthday? Do you think other entertainers will agree to perform?