This is National Infertility Awareness Week….and you may not know this if you are not on infertility websites. The sad news is that most people do not know much of anything about infertility unless it touches their life in some way-maybe through a friend, a family member, or a coworker. Everyone hears so much about diseases such as cancer, but infertility is still a silent disease in many ways. I hope this will change one day. One out of every five couples of childbearing age is struggling with infertility, and the numbers have increased by almost 20% in just seven years.
This is a quote from my book, “Managing The Stress Of Infertility”, which seems appropriate here: “I believe everyone who is infertile should have equal access to medical treatment regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status. My dream is that one day infertility will no longer be a secret disease and people can openly talk about their treatment and family-building choices without fear of judgment, stigma, or negative consequences. Life is a gift to be celebrated. A child is a gift to a parent, no matter how conception occurs or how a parent and child come together.”
The media seems to be doing a better job of educating the public about infertility. However, our personal voices need to become louder and stronger. During Infertility Awareness Week, and every week, I encourage you to speak up for the infertile population in a way that feels right for you. This is an important way to honor yourself or someone you know who is suffering with the disease of infertility. Then maybe one day people will be more educated about infertility and will be better equipped to give you the support and understanding you deserve.