Celebrities Share Their IVF Journey
The decision for an intended parent to share that they are using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat their infertility is a deeply personal one, and there is no right answer for every parent. Some parents want to share this experience with their family and friends and benefit from the support of those they trust. Others, want to stay more private and not feel judged and pressured by those around them. And still others turn to online support groups and other IVF patients who are going through the same experiences.
Struggling with infertility and undergoing IVF is a very stressful experience for many intended parents. They often feel isolated, scared, frustrated, and betrayed by their own bodies. “Patients have rated the stress of undergoing IVF as more stressful than or almost as stressful as any other major life event, such as death of a family member or separation or divorce.” Society For Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Adding to that stress is whether or not to suffer in silence or share their burden with others.
In the early days of IVF most patients chose to keep their fertility struggles a secret, however as IVF has become a more commonly used treatment, patients feel more comfortable speaking more openly about using ART to build their families. This is also true for celebrities such as Courtney Cox, Tyra Banks, Celine Dion, and Amy Schumer (Newsweek).
“Frankly, we don’t see enough women with disabilities that are pregnant in our society and we don’t celebrate enough women with disabilities as mothers. To be able to utilize the platform of sports and change how society perceives the journey of somebody who happens to live with a disability — that yes, I can still be a world champion and yes, I can still be a mom — is rewarding. We want to change the conversation.” – Mallory Weggemann
Using IVF has lost much of its stigma, in many ways because these celebrities have chosen to share their fertility journeys. In recent days, more celebrities have chosen to publicly discuss how IVF has helped them build their families. Their choice to have a more open discussion of their infertility issues has paved the way for many patients to find the support and help they need to get through the stress and fears of infertility.
Read some of the latest stories from celebrities who are sharing their fertility journeys. And if you’re looking for a support group to talk to about your fertility plans visit Fertility Out Loud, Resolve, The Fertility Talk.
