National Infertility Awareness Week - Let's Start a Conversation
Everything you need to know about National Infertility Awareness Week
Infertility affects millions of people around the world, impacting all races, religions, genders, and incomes. Still, the experience of infertility can be isolating for many. Some people facing fertility concerns feel as though they can’t share what they’re going through. Others worry that if they do share their situation or concerns, no one will understand.
That’s why National Infertility Awareness Week was created. National Infertility Awareness Week aims to create a space for people of all backgrounds to share how infertility has impacted their lives, careers, relationships, and more.
While normalizing infertility stories is an admirable goal all year long, this year, from April 24 through April 30, people are encouraged to spread awareness by sharing their infertility stories. By breaking through the stigmas that surround infertility, we can start to change the conversation about this important public health issue.
Why is National Infertility Awareness Week so important?
As many as 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide live with infertility, but it can still be very hard for people to talk about their struggle to become a parent. This stigma prevents public knowledge of just how common infertility is.
Because infertility isn’t often openly discussed, those who need help to conceive frequently lack support from both their employers and elected officials alike.. For example, as of April 2021, only 19 states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws. The potential benefit of fertility treatments are significantly limited if they’re only available at prices many working-class Americans can’t afford.
By spreading awareness about infertility and inequities in access to fertility treatment, we can help the public understand the issues that affect people struggling to build a family and drive support for our community.
How can I help spread awareness?
- Join the conversation. Sharing your story can help you find support from others who may have been there, and from people who care. Use the hashtags #ThisIsMyStory, #WeCanAll, #InfertilityIs, and #NIAW2022 to spread awareness on social media.
- If you’re not ready to share your story publicly, you can still contribute to the conversation by sharing posts that advocate for the infertility community and support others who are struggling to become parents.
- Reach out to loved ones who are facing fertility challenges. Let them know you’re thinking about them, and ask if there’s anything you can do to support them in the process. Your words of empathy and encouragement can go a long way.
- Wear orange to raise awareness. RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, asks people to wear orange (socks, t-shirts, lipstick, ribbons, whatever you have!) during National Infertility Awareness Week to show their support for the infertility community.
A message from JunoDx
We understand that infertility can take a toll on you and your family, both mentally and physically. It can be an incredibly isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a community of people out there that have been where you are right now, and they can be an incredible source of support.
If you’re not sure where to start, RESOLVE can connect you with both peer-led and professional-led support groups that provide a safe space to talk about your struggles. They also offer resources for those looking to connect with a medical professional specializing in infertility.
You deserve to be heard and supported. No matter where your infertility journey takes you, you are not alone.
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JunoDx.com and the materials and information it contains are not intended to be and do not constitute medical advice, other health advice, or diagnosis. Do not use JunoDx.com or the materials and information published at JunoDx.com as a substitute for medical care and treatment. You should always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider about your specific circumstances.
