How Fertility Advocacy Makes a Difference
In April, the country honors fertility awareness by celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). This year, from April 24 to April 30, NIAW will feature acts both small and large across the country that aim to bring greater awareness of the needs of the fertility community and the challenges they face when it comes to having children. These acts of fertility advocacy make differences on micro and macro levels – both are important and both can change lives.
In April, the country honors fertility awareness by celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). This year, from April 24 to April 30, NIAW will feature acts both small and large across the country that aim to bring greater awareness of the needs of the fertility community and the challenges they face when it comes to having children. These acts of fertility advocacy make differences on micro and macro levels – both are important and both can change lives.
Why Fertility Advocacy Matters
Advocating for better fertility awareness, education, and legislation all fall under the umbrella of fertility advocacy. Awareness helps destigmatize the need for fertility care that so many families require, including those facing infertility, single parents, and LGBTQ+ families. Education helps those outside the fertility community learn about what it means to use the various modern family-building paths that are available. Together, fertility awareness and education help to push people to change laws that impact access to fertility care.
How to Be an Advocate During NIAW
Advocating for the fertility community is not only for those who are within it, but can be done by allies, family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Even the smallest acts can echo across many different eyes and ears, those of people who may not realize the struggles many couples and individuals face. Here’s how you can help.
Write to or Email Your Local Representatives
Many laws that pertain to fertility care are regulated at the state level. For example, some states have laws that require insurance providers to offer coverage for fertility treatments, but most do not, which makes it difficult for many families to afford fertility care. If local and state representatives are made aware of the struggles faced by the fertility community trying to build their families, it’s possible that new fertility-forward legislation can be drafted, voted on, and enacted.
Take Part in the #WearOrange Campaign
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association has started the #WearOrange movement, which asks that those who wish to support the fertility community wear orange in some way on April 27, 2022. Your small act will show support for a community where many members can often feel isolated and alone as they undergo fertility care, especially if they do not know anyone else sharing a similar journey.
Share Your Story, if You Want To
One of the best ways someone can advocate for the fertility community is to share their story. We recognize that this may be a big ask for some and not a problem for others, so you should always do whatever you’re comfortable with – there is no reason to share personal details that you want to stay private. However, if you are open to it, social media is a great resource for sharing your story. Every NIAW, thousands of men and women take to social media to let others know that their journey to becoming parents includes fertility care or that they are currently on a path. You never know how your story might help someone else who is struggling in silence and isolation.
Advocacy Through Donations
If are unable to be and advocate through action or do not wish to share your story in a public manner, there are other ways that you can still be a positive force in the infertility community. One of these ways is by donating to non-profit organizations like RESOLVE and the Chelsea Family Foundation. Non-profits help to make a difference for many in the fertility community, but can only do so with support from the community.
