National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is an annual campaign that aims to shed light on the struggles and challenges faced by millions of individuals and couples dealing with infertility. In 2024, as we observe this important week, it’s crucial to recognize the emotional, physical, and financial toll that infertility takes on those affected by it. It’s a time to break the silence, raise awareness, and offer support to those on their journey to parenthood.
The Reality of Infertility: Infertility is a deeply personal and often isolating experience. For many, it’s a journey filled with hope, disappointment, and heartache. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 12% of women aged 15 to 44 in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. This statistic underscores the widespread impact of infertility in our society.
Moreover, infertility does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Despite its prevalence, there remains a stigma surrounding infertility, which can prevent individuals from seeking the support and resources they need.
One of the most powerful ways to support those struggling with infertility is by breaking the silence surrounding the issue. National Infertility Awareness Week encourages open and honest conversations about infertility, reducing the shame and stigma associated with it. By sharing your stories and experiences, we can create a more compassionate and understanding community for those affected by infertility.
During NIAW and throughout the year, it’s essential to provide support and resources to individuals and couples facing infertility. This support can come in many forms, including emotional support from friends and family, access to counseling and support groups, and information about fertility treatments and options.
MCRM Fertility will commemorate National Infertility Awareness Week 2024 with unique themed days to add a little something special for our amazing patients.
Monday, April 22nd: We’re Crazy for Our Patients
On Monday, April 22nd, our staff will display how we are simply “Crazy for our Patients”. Patients will also be provided orange NIAW bracelets to wear throughout NIAW week.
Tuesday, April 23rd: Journal Your Journey
On Tuesday, April 23rd, patients will be provided a journal so they may journal their fertility journey.
Wednesday, April 24th: Relax and Renew and Wear Your Orange
On Wednesday, April 24th, nationally, as part of NIAW, everyone is encouraged to wear orange. Resolve, the national infertility awareness association, began the wear orange movement to bring awareness regarding infertility in 1989. #WearOrange continues in 2024. Rock your orange gear and show support. Additionally, we are going to encourage self-care by encouraging our patients to pamper themselves, relax and renew. Each patient will be provided with a custom emery board and essential oil.
Thursday, April 25th: Stress Less
On Thursday, April 25th, we will continue our encouragement to self-care by encouraging our patients to stress less. Patients will be provided with inspirational stress balls and essential oil.
Friday, April 26th: Passion for Pineapple
On Friday, April 26th, we will celebrate the pineapple which has become a symbol of fertility. All patients will be provided with a pineapple themed keychain.
During #NIAW2024 Let’s break the silence, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with the millions of individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. Together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive society for all.