Advocacy Will Continue After Scheduled Birth
As 33-year-old Sarafina El-Badry Nance prepares for a scheduled C-section, she highlights gaps in infant feeding support.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Pregnancy
Sarafina El-Badry Nance, a 33-year-old breast cancer previvor, will deliver her baby via a scheduled C-section on October 9, 2026. She is concurrently preparing for a procedure to remove her fallopian tubes to further reduce her cancer risk.
Why it matters
Nance advocates for legislative coverage of infant formula and donor milk because individuals who undergo bilateral mastectomies often cannot produce breast milk. Her story brings visibility to insurance gaps that affect new parents who rely on alternative feeding methods.
One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, a statistic that highlights the significant population burden of the disease. Nance, who previously reduced her own lifetime risk from 87% to less than 5%, represents a cohort of previvors navigating high-risk management.
The players
Sarafina El-Badry Nance
A 33-year-old breast cancer previvor and advocate for federal infant feeding legislation.
Bobbie
An infant formula company collaborating on advocacy for legislation to cover feeding costs.
The details
Nance utilized in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic testing to ensure her child does not inherit the BRCA2 gene mutation. In addition to her upcoming delivery, Nance is working with the infant formula brand Bobbie to support federal legislation known as Connie's Bill. This proposed law aims to mandate insurance coverage for infant feeding costs for parents who are unable to nurse.
Timeline
October 9, 2026, is the date Nance will undergo a scheduled C-section and a procedure to remove her fallopian tubes.
Health Landscape
The clinical management of BRCA2 mutations has evolved to include advanced reproductive options like preimplantation genetic testing alongside surgical risk reduction. This shift reflects a broader trend of utilizing genomics to eliminate hereditary risks in future generations.
Individuals with high-risk gene mutations should discuss reproductive options, such as preimplantation genetic testing, with a genetic counselor or fertility specialist. If you face barriers to insurance coverage for necessary health or feeding supplies, consult with your physician about resources or advocacy groups that can provide support.
The takeaway
Nance's journey underscores the importance of informed risk reduction and the necessity of policy advocacy for those with specific medical requirements. Readers managing hereditary health risks may consider tracking family history and consulting with specialized care teams regarding their long-term options.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of high-risk medical management and Pregnancy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
