Infertility does not discriminate. It can affect anyone no matter their race, religion, gender, economic status or sexuality. National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is an opportunity to change how the world views infertility. This national movement unites millions of people wishing to remove all stigmas and barriers that stand in the way of building their families.
If infertility has impacted your life, we hope this time reminds you that you are not alone. There are others who want to stand beside you as you travel this difficult road.
What Is National Infertility Awareness Week?
National Infertility Awareness Week is hosted by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, and the event’s goal is to raise the public’s awareness of infertility issues that impact an individual or a couple’s ability to have children. This time is meant to help people cope with infertility.
NIAW is also a chance to encourage grassroots advocacy especially in the fight for insurance coverage for expensive fertility treatments.
Some couples use National Infertility Awareness Week as an opportunity to talk to their friends and families about their individual struggles with fertility. Knowing that there are others who have problems growing their families gives them strength and shows them that there is nothing to feel ashamed about.
The timing of National Infertility Awareness Week is very important, and it usually occurs the last full week of April. This means it’s always slightly before Mother’s Day which happens in May. This year, NIAW is April 21 through 28, 2019.
The Importance of Infertility Awareness
Infertility is frequently misunderstood. Media attention has given the public a skewed perspective on this topic. Infertility isn’t only a female problem, and it’s not just an age-related issue. Infertility affects both men and women and can impact anyone at any age.
Another problem is that many people oversimplify the cause of infertility. Studies on stress, diet and other factors lead well-meaning friends and family members to confront couples about their lifestyles. While their intentions may be good, these words can deeply hurt couples who are in the thick of months of infertility testing and treatments.
NIAW is crucial as it spreads awareness about infertility to those who may not know the truth. Infertility is a common problem affecting nine percent of men and eleven percent of women of reproductive age in the U.S. alone. That means it’s extremely likely that everyone knows at least one person living with infertility.
As the general public begins to understand how fertility challenges impact both women and men, then couples will feel freer to open up about their condition, lessening the shame they may be experiencing. NIAW also helps friends and family members learn how they can provide support to those struggling with infertility.
Infertility Advocacy
Another important aspect of National Infertility Awareness Week is the need to change current laws regarding infertility treatments. Medical insurance covering infertility treatments is only available in 15 states in America. Fertility treatments, like IVF, are expensive for couples. When insurance doesn’t cover these type of therapies, most end up paying out of pocket, putting a financial burden on their family.
As we raise infertility awareness among lawmakers, they can change our current laws to reflect the truth surrounding this disease.
What You Can Do for National Infertility Awareness Week
There are a number of activities hosted by RESOLVE and other infertility awareness groups during NIAW. However, there are also things you can do to raise awareness among those in your immediate circle, including:
- Sharing with friends and family about infertility
- Starting a blog describing your fertility journey
- Contacting national and state representatives about insurance coverage for infertility
- Dedicating your social media status updates to speak up about infertility awareness
At Western Fertility Institute, we wish to honor National Infertility Awareness Week and the hundreds of couples who have come through our doors with the hope of growing their family.
If you believe you or your partner have unaddressed infertility issues, now may be the right time to make an appointment to speak with a fertility specialist. Our compassionate team is here to listen to your struggles and offer options that could help you become parents. Please contact us today to find out more.