Every April, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) brings a simple but important message into focus: infertility is common, it’s not anyone’s fault, and no one should have to face it in silence.
Where NIAW comes from
NIAW was founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the country’s leading infertility advocacy organization. In 2010, it became a federally recognized health observance. Since then, it’s grown into a nationwide effort to educate the public, support people facing infertility, and push back on the stigma and misinformation that still surround family building.
Infertility is more common than most people realize
1 in 6 couples will experience infertility. Despite how common it is, infertility is still often misunderstood, and many people going through it feel isolated, even though they’re far from alone. NIAW exists to change that by putting real stories in front of the public and making space for honest conversations about the physical, emotional, and financial realities of trying to build a family.
Infertility doesn’t look one way
One of NIAW’s central messages is that there is no single face of infertility. It affects people across every race, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, and income level, and it touches individuals and couples working with a partner, a donor, a surrogate, or on their own. Recognizing that range is part of what makes the week meaningful: it makes room for every path to parenthood, not just the ones that get talked about most.
How PREG supports the conversation
At PREG, we see every day how much it can help simply to know you’re not facing this alone. NIAW is a reminder of why we do this work: to give people clear information, compassionate care, and real options, wherever they are in their family-building journey.
Ways to take part
You don’t have to be facing infertility yourself to support NIAW. A few simple ways to get involved, any year:
- Wear orange, NIAW’s signature color, to show solidarity with the infertility community.
- Follow RESOLVE and other reputable infertility organizations to stay informed.
- Share accurate information, and challenge misconceptions when you hear them.
If you’re navigating infertility yourself, know that support and evidence-based options are available. Schedule an appointment with PREG to talk through your next steps with a team that understands.
