National Infertility Awareness Week
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is held every year in April.
The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by infertility. This does not include the many LGBTQ+ couples and those who choose to parent without a partner who may need assisted reproductive medical treatments to start and grow families. Founded in 1982, NIAW is observed annually to show legislators and the public that infertility is an issue that affects many and deserves their undivided attention. So, what can you do?
How to Take Action
💻 Post to socials.
Posting online and tagging your reps goes a long way. Post your thoughts on or experience with infertility. Find your reps’ pages, follow them, and tag them whenever you post about infertility awareness.
✍️ Write to your reps.
The quickest way to get your legislator’s ear is to form a relationship with them, and the easiest way to do this is by writing, calling, and tagging. Keep your eyes peeled for ASRM action alerts in your inbox. Click the hyperlink at the bottom of each alert to reroute to Voter Voice, where you can easily access and send pre-written messages about infertility bills to your reps, who the site will locate for you. We do the work, and your voice is heard. Feel free to add your own flair to the messaging.
If you’d like to locate your reps, you can also use this tracking tool.
📖 Share your story.
Do you have a story of overcoming infertility? ASRM wants to hear it, feature it, and share it with legislators. Tell us about your experience:
ASRM Invites You to Share Your Story and Become an Advocate
🏛️ Attend the next Virtual Federal Advocacy Day.
In the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, we’ve seen just how impactful advocacy can be. Join us for an all-day interactive event designed to help you connect with your legislators and advocate for your interests across the fertility field. Details will be posted at ASRM.org and ReproductiveFacts.org closer to the date in Spring.
🧑⚖️ Participate in the Proclamation Project.
Submit a request to your state legislators that NIAW be recognized as an official awareness week to increase public awareness of infertility across the country. Learn how here:
Proclamation Project | NIAW Resolve (infertilityawareness.org)
🧡 Wear orange!
Don your favorite orange outfit to raise awareness of infertility. Share photos on social media, and be sure to tell your friends!
Learn more about NIAW
Resources For You
Donate to the Advocacy in Action Fund
ASRM has already dedicated a significant amount of money to a fund we are calling the Advocacy in Action Fund. But additional resources are needed to hire lobbyists in key states, pay for legal analysis of proposed bills and develop alternative language, place advertisements in states with ballot issues. Donate NowInfertility
SART Fertility Experts - Military Families and Fertility
Active-duty individuals in the military sometimes face unique circumstances when seeking fertility care. Learn more with a former military fertility physician. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Q&A on Infertility
Infertility can create many questions for a patient. Listen to common questions and answers about infertility, egg freezing, and genetic testing. Listen to the EpisodeFertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press ReleaseNational Infertility Awareness Week
April 20-26, 2025, is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)!
View the NIAW ToolkitASRM announces support for HOPE with Fertility Services Act
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is proud to endorse the HOPE with Fertility Services Act (HR 8821).
View the Press ReleaseSART Fertility Experts - Environmental Impacts on Fertility
In this episode, the fertility experts discuss the impact of the environment, including air, climate, and chemical exposures on infertility. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the EpisodeMale Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient JourneyFemale Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient JourneyStress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact SheetHyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain. Read the fact sheetOptimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheetOptimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheetDefining Infertility
Infertility is “the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.” View the Fact SheetFertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact SheetMale Fertility Evaluation: What do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheetSmoking and infertility
Most people understand that smoking increases the risk for heart, vascular, and lung disease. View the fact sheetWhat are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors of muscle tissue found in the uterus. View the fact sheetInfertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It
Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of your life. View the fact sheetWhat is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheetSART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Financial Aspects of Infertility Treatment
“I know what treatment I want and need to do, but how can I afford it?” This is a common question infertility patients often ask themselves. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the EpisodeIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact SheetSART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - RESOLVE and Infertility
Due to the unique stress of infertility, patients often look for resources and support in addition to those provided by their medical provider. Listen to the EpisodeWhat is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheetWhat is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (Previously Called Premature Ovarian Failure)?
When a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, she is said to have premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). View the fact sheetSaline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG)
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS or SHG) is aprocedure to evaluate the uterus and the shape of the uterine cavity. View the fact sheetTestosterone use and male infertility
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). View the fact sheetSART Fertility Experts - Safe Surfing: The Pros and Perils of Social Media
Dr. Kenan Omurtag, MD joins host Dr. Mark Trolice to discuss the use of social media in the field of infertility. Listen to the EpisodeSART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the EpisodeStress and Infertility
Medical procedures, cost, outcome uncertainty, and unwanted or unhelpful advice from friends and family are stressors associated with infertility treatment. Watch VideoInfertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the bookletMale Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch VideoInfertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch VideoBasic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch VideoFibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch VideoInfertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch VideoUnderstanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch VideoSurviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch VideoAcupuncture and Infertility Treatment
Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that involves placing very thin needles at different points on the body. View the Fact SheetSexual dysfunction and infertility
Sexual dysfunction is a problem in a person’s sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm. View the fact sheetCoping With Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses various methods of coping with infertility. Watch VideoEndometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, develops outside of the uterine cavity in abnormal locations. Watch VideoCauses of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch VideoAge and Fertility (booklet)
Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, and fertility can be expected to end 5 to 10 years before menopause. View the BookletCauses of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch VideoFAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the factsFAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Learn the factsMary Dolan's Story
Infertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Infertility better. View the infographicsAdvocacy
ASRM Launches National Campaign in Support of Reproductive Rights Ballot Measures
ASRM launches a national campaign supporting reproductive rights ballot measures in 10 states with ads, endorsements, and voter engagement efforts.
View the Press ReleaseFertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press ReleaseASRM on Increased Availability of Fertility Coverage for Federal Employees
We are pleased with the news shared by OPM today showing more carriers will be providing infertility benefits to federal employees in the coming year.
View the Press ReleaseASRM and National Voter Registration Day: Let’s Get #VoteReady!
Join ASRM in recognizing National Voter Registration Day! Verify your voter registration today to ensure a seamless voting experience this November.
View the Press ReleaseNation’s Leading Professional Group for Fertility Care Professionals Calls for Passage of Right to IVF Act
ASRM applauds Majority Leader Schumer’s decision to seek reconsideration of the Right to IVF Act.
View the Press ReleaseTrump Calls for IVF Coverage, California Legislature Sends IVF Mandate Bill to Governor
The California General Assembly approved a bill mandating most private health insurance plans to provide coverage for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press ReleaseAdvocacy in Action
Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in ActionGet Vot-ER Ready This National Patient Advocacy Day!
Celebrate National Patient Advocacy Day by boosting civic engagement! Order your free Vot-ER badge to help patients register to vote and promote healthy communities.
View the Press ReleaseNational Infertility Awareness Week
April 20-26, 2025, is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)!
View the NIAW ToolkitASRM marks World IVF Day by doing what we do best – advocating for access to reproductive health care by calling for a House floor vote on the Right to IVF Act
ASRM observed World IVF Day, the day marking the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978, by continuing its advocacy for improvements in IVF policy.
View the Press ReleaseOrder your FREE Vot-ER badge to encourage your friends to vote!
ASRM) is pleased to announce our partnership with Vot-ER, a grassroots organization dedicated to driving civic engagement among healthcare professionals.
View the Press ReleaseASRM announces support for HOPE with Fertility Services Act
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is proud to endorse the HOPE with Fertility Services Act (HR 8821).
View the Press ReleaseASRM Responds to Senate Vote on IVF Bill
ASRM is disappointed that a filibuster prevented the passage of the Right to IVF Act.
View the Press ReleaseASRM Calls for Passage of Family Building Bill
It would increase access to IVF treatments for all Americans, including active-duty service members, veterans, and federal employees.
View the Press ReleaseASRM publishes IVF one-pagers for media use
The documents lay out the clinical IVF process, summarize oversight of IVF in the U.S., and explain how lawmakers can support access to IVF.
View the Press Release