National Infertility Awareness Week: Toward Dialogue and Understanding
During the last week of April, we focus on infertility on a global scale. Known as National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), this occasion raises awareness and facilitates discussions to debunk misconceptions and myths. It also shares an advocacy with World Infertility Awareness Month every June.
Featured in: April - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why National Infertility Awareness Week Matters
National Infertility Awareness Week holds significance as it aims to elevate public understanding about infertility—a condition affecting roughly one in six of both males and females.
The week brings essential discourse about the emotional hardships linked to infertility, like guilt and depression, and the varied, yet expensive, treatment options. With a focus on education, it aids individuals in knowing when to seek help from specialist help while also sharing with lawmakers how infertility impacts people.
How to Support National Infertility Awareness Week
- Promote NIAW by wearing orange or lighting up orange bulbs. Post it online and other conversation starters together with official hashtags #WearOrange, #LightItUpOrange, #NIAW2024, and #LeaveYourMark2024.
- Join educational seminars, awareness walks, and other activities. Check out the official website for official events.
- If there are no events near you, consider organizing and hosting an event. The website suggests yoga classes, mini concerts, or cooking classes. Make sure to submit or promote your activity so other locals can participate.
- Contact local representatives, support relevant organizations, and call to improve infertility coverage and care and stop restricting reproductive freedom.
- Educate yourself about infertility through books, podcasts, or talks by fertility experts.
Data and Statistics
In 2022, the World Health Organization estimates the global infertility prevalence is approximately one in six people2. The data does not include LGBTQ+ couples and single parents opting for assisted reproductive medical treatments.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports roughly 19% of married women aged 15-49 years, with no prior births, experience infertility after a year of trying, while one in four face challenges with pregnancy or carrying to term.
Overcoming infertility can also affect the mental health of the couple. An American study reveals half of the women and 15% of men label their struggle with infertility as the most distressing experience of their lives.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that infertility cases aren't solely a women's issue. Infertility has several causes, such as male factors, female factors, or a combination of both. Sometimes, the causes remain unexplained.
The cost of infertility treatment and fertility care is also another factor. A study estimates that the average price of an in vitro fertilization1 (IVF) cycle in the U.S. is around $12,000, with an additional $3,000–$4,000 for the medication.
Brief Timeline of National Infertility Awareness Week
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association launches National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially recognizes NIAW
RESOLVE launches the slogan: "You are not alone"
U.S. Senate officially recognizes NIAW
Introduction of annual themes to challenge societal stigmas about reproductive health and expand understanding of infertility
NIAW Themes
| April 21-27, 2024 | Leave Your Mark |
| April 23-29, 2023 | Find Your Voice |
| April 24-30, 2022 | We Can All |
| April 18-24, 2021 | What I Want You To Know |
| April 19-25, 2020 | Empowering You and Changing the Conversation |
Conclusion
National Infertility Awareness Week is a platform for raising awareness and supporting those affected by infertility. It challenges societal perceptions and advocates for advancements in reproductive science so that more people can begin fertility treatment. Let us ally with the cause every last week of April and beyond.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This annual campaign aims to raise awareness about infertility and advocates for greater support and understanding, including access to infertility care.
Infertility affects about 1 in 8 couples of reproductive age in the United States and 1 in 6 people worldwide. Common causes include ovulation disorders, sperm disorders, fallopian tube blockages, and age-related factors.
Visit https://www.infertilityawareness.org for calendars, resources, stories, and many more.
Offer emotional support, listen without judgment, and educate oneself about infertility and fertility treatment.
You can join events, share information on social media, and donate to organizations that support people coping with fertility struggles.
| 1 | Patrizio, P., Albertini, D.F., Gleicher, N. (2022). The changing world of IVF: the pros and cons of new business models offering assisted reproductive technologies. J Assist Reprod Genet 39, 305–313. |
| 2 | World Health Organization. (2023). Infertility prevalence estimates, 1990–2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
