The estimated prevalence of infertility worldwide is a staggering one in six.
In the abstract, that’s a shocking number of people who are unable to get pregnant—but when you look around and realize the one in six are in your neighborhood and at your workplace, it’s heartbreaking.
As an employer, you can offer a powerful display of support when you acknowledge how commonplace infertility is, as well as the physical and emotional toll it takes on those striving to be parents. Whether your organization offers a comprehensive family building benefit or not, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), April 20–26, 2025, provides a natural entry point for important conversations that will send the strong cultural message that you support your employees’ whole-being.
Preparing for a NIAW workplace campaign doesn’t have to be time-consuming either. Small acts go a long way when someone is navigating a challenging life experience and taking the time to support them this week is an easy way to make them feel seen and heard. You could:
- Learn something new about infertility. Did you know 30 – 40% of infertility cases are attributed to the male partner? Or that fertility preservation may be the only way someone recently diagnosed with cancer can ever have a family? From debilitating pain to intense financial pressure, there are a myriad of obstacles those experiencing infertility may be navigating. The more aware you are of what goes into the infertility journey – the easier it is to know where you can step in and help.
- Listen to the stories of those who’ve experienced infertility. Infertility can be an isolating and vulnerable experience – making it hard for friends, family and coworkers to open up. But that doesn’t have to stop you. Below are four stories from four people with completely different infertility journeys. Each only 20-minutes long, you’ll be surprised how much you can relate – and how much hearing their stories will change your conversation the next time someone opens up to you about their infertility.
- Episode 160: Male-Factor Infertility: IVF & the Unexpected | Progyny
- Episode 200: How Laura Overcame Infertility and Postpartum Depression | Progyny
- Episode 193: Protecting Her Fertility Future in the Face of Breast Cancer | Progyny
- Episode 187: A Decade with Whitney: Freezing her Eggs, Winning the Bachelor, and Becoming a Mom | Progyny
- Promote infertility awareness. Getting a diagnosis of infertility can be earth-shattering – and the stigma around it often leaves people feeling isolated and ashamed. If you’re not sure how to support someone experiencing infertility – start by normalizing the disease. Speak openly about the stories you’ve heard, and the knowledge you’ve gained. Raise awareness in your community and show those who feel alone in their journey that you support them, whether they feel comfortable talking about it or not.
This NIAW, let’s work together to raise awareness about infertility and support those around us – at home and at work – as they pursue their family building dreams.
If you’re up for taking the next step by learning more about the kind of infertility support organizations can provide that leads to healthier pregnancies overall – our team is here to help break it down for you.