By: John Glover (MBA)
Since the start of human interaction, the idea of childbirth has been glamorized. Dismissing the severe pain women must endure, labor has been societally perceived as a beautiful event. While the aftermath of it is truly mesmerizing, childbirth is an incredibly brutal experience on the physical and mental health of women.
However, there are women who find themselves incapable of pregnancy – or, simply uninterested in the idea. These women are constantly met with negativity and see bouts of shame from society. This is because as a society we have delegated the value of a woman to her ability to provide children.
Today, the decision to have children is far more nuanced and complex than in past centuries. Younger generations, particularly Generation Z, are increasingly prioritizing personal goals over societal expectations to start a family. Advances in science have also highlighted the prevalence of infertility.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, roughly 11% of women who are of reproductive age in the United States face fertility issues today. Unfortunately, women seeking to have children find themselves struggling to get pregnant.
Infertility is a medical condition that can prevent individuals from having children. It is important to recognize it as such and not place blame on those affected. Society’s tendency to stigmatize women for their infertility is unjust and harmful, much like blaming someone for having a different medical condition would be.
Infertility does not disappoint anyone more than the people struggling with it. Society has created this perception that a woman’s sole purpose is motherhood; that her ability to conceive is her most vital trait. Thus, women who cannot do such are labeled as “failures,” both by the world around them and by themselves.
In many cultures, women are humiliated by the community they reside in for their inability to bear children. They are belittled and isolated by family, friends, and other social groups surrounding them.
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and does not discriminate based on gender. Men and women are equally at risk. Blaming women exclusively for infertility is not only inaccurate but also harmful.
Amy Beckley, Ph.D and CEO at Proov – an at-home fertility and hormone marker test – says, “Fertility isn’t just a women’s issue. Men make up about 50% of our society, despite the reality that topics and responsibilities surrounding reproduction often fall to female partners.”
Then Why are We So Quick to Place the Blame of Infertility on Women?
Misplacing blame on women for infertility perpetuates falsehoods about the condition and inflicts unnecessary psychological harm. This misplaced blame not only reinforces inaccurate stereotypes but also creates an environment of guilt, shame and potential violence for women who are already grappling with the emotional and physical toll of infertility. The pressure to meet societal expectations can lead to significant mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Infertility is a distressing condition that affects many couples globally, altering their lives significantly and impacting both men and women. The inability to conceive can strain relationships, cause financial stress due to the high cost of treatments, and disrupt future planning and life goals. Couples often face a rollercoaster of hope and despair with each treatment cycle, and the cumulative effect can be overwhelming.
Society must approach this issue with compassion and care, recognizing the complexities involved. This involves educating the public about the realities of infertility, promoting empathy and support for those affected, and challenging the stigmatization that persists. Healthcare professionals and support systems should provide holistic care that addresses not only the physical aspects of infertility but also the emotional and psychological needs of couples.
Published by: Holy Minoza
