A Divine Journey: The Hidden Miracle of Restorative Reproductive Medicine

For nearly a decade, Karen and Anthony Monetti carried a dream close to their hearts—a baby. Their story is one of unyielding faith, devastating heartbreak, and a remarkable alternative to the conventional path of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Amid a culture where IVF dominates the conversation around infertility, the Monettis discovered an unheralded branch of medicine that offers hope rooted in healing: restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).

Their journey, marked by four agonizing miscarriages, culminated in a miracle that defied expectations and illuminated a path for countless others struggling with infertility.

A Painful Road Paved with Faith

Karen and Anthony, married for nine years, believed deeply in leaving their dream of parenthood in God’s hands. But their faith was tested when, after quickly conceiving, Karen miscarried. What followed were three more heartbreaking losses, each one leaving deeper emotional scars.

“Nothing has hurt, and I’ve never grieved so much as the infertility journey,” Karen shared, her voice heavy with emotion. Yet, even in the depths of pain, she clung to a single word: hope.

At age 41, Karen faced mounting pressure from medical professionals to pursue IVF due to her age and the perceived risks of genetic complications. Yet, she and Anthony stood firm in their convictions, refusing to pursue a method that conflicted with their faith and ethical beliefs.

Why They Said No to IVF

The Monettis’ decision to decline IVF was deeply rooted in their values. Central to their refusal was the moral dilemma posed by unused embryos, which are often left frozen in limbo.

“I didn’t want to have multiple eggs that were conceived just sitting there frozen,” Karen explained. “I could not bring myself to that, knowing that there was life there that was not inside of me, and I was not birthing.”

Instead, they sought an alternative—one that aligned with their faith and offered the promise of addressing the root causes of infertility rather than bypassing them.

Restorative Reproductive Medicine: A Revolutionary Approach

Through divine timing and word-of-mouth recommendations, Karen and Anthony discovered MorningStar Family Health Center, a clinic specializing in restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). Unlike IVF, which works around infertility issues, RRM digs deep to identify and address the underlying causes.

Dr. Jean Golden-Tevald and Dr. Edward Fleming, pioneers in RRM, worked tirelessly to uncover the obstacles standing in the way of the Monettis’ dream. Their approach included extensive testing of both partners to uncover hormonal imbalances, blood conditions, and other hidden factors.

“In 20 years of doing this, I have never had a woman who we evaluated that we came up and said, ‘We can’t find anything wrong,’” Dr. Golden-Tevald explained. “There’s always something.”

For Karen, the root issues included serious blood clots and hormone deficiencies. With targeted treatments—blood thinners, hormone therapy, and other tailored solutions—the Monettis’ prayers were soon answered.

The Miracle Baby

The result of their unwavering faith and determination came in the form of a healthy, beautiful baby girl.

“My pregnancy was a huge success,” Karen beamed. “We finally have our baby, our miracle.”

The Monettis’ story is living proof that hope can thrive in the face of heartbreak and that alternatives like RRM can offer results comparable to, if not better than, IVF—without the ethical concerns or financial burdens.

Why RRM Is Still in the Shadows

Despite its successes, RRM remains relatively unknown, often overshadowed by the highly marketed and lucrative IVF industry.

“There’s not a lot of money to be gained in RRM,” Dr. Fleming noted. “Unfortunately, it’s not advertised as much in a mainstream way.”

This lack of awareness has inspired advocates to take action. U.S. Senator James Lankford, for instance, has introduced the RESTORE Act, which aims to expand access to restorative reproductive care and prioritize treatments that address infertility’s root causes.

Spreading the Word: A Mission of Hope

The Monettis have become passionate ambassadors for RRM, sharing their story and the expertise of Dr. Golden-Tevald and Dr. Fleming with anyone facing similar struggles.

“I recommend everybody I know who struggles with fertility,” Karen said. “God gave them to us, and they are incredible. We have our miracle baby now.”

Their journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the importance of exploring alternatives to mainstream medical practices. For couples navigating the painful road of infertility, the Monettis’ story shines as a beacon of hope, reminding them that miracles often come through the most unexpected paths.