Breaking The Silence on Infertility: Policy Brief
This Policy Brief is a knowledge product from the 2019 Share-Net International Co-Creation Conference, by Marie E. Thoma, Muntaha Gharaibeh, Elly Leemhuis, Arnob Chakrabarty, Kishore Kumer Basak, & Ananya Krishnan.
Abstract
Although recognized as central to reproductive rights, addressing infertility has been neglected within the global sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) agenda. Growing awareness of the magnitude and consequences of infertility has garnered increased national, regional, and international attention to the detection, prevention, and management of infertility and infertility-related stigma. In this policy brief, we document the magnitude and impact of infertility and its connection to broader human rights principles, a SRHR agenda, and sustainable development goals. We call on policymakers, public health and health care providers, and other stakeholders to develop a national action plan to address infertility and infertility-related stigma. We outline 5 priority areas to engage, educate, address, and advocate for a broader focus on infertility and provide country-specific examples of programs designed to meet these priorities.
Key Messages
- Infertility is a reproductive health issue that has been neglected within the global sexual and reproductive health and rights agenda.
- Infertility impacts over 180 million individuals worldwide, equally affecting men and women.
- Women and girls often bear the societal burden of infertility and its consequences, including gender-based violence.
- Access to fertility care shows large inequities within and between countries.
- A country-specific national action plan is needed to address the detection, prevention, and management of infertility and related stigma.
- Addressing infertility means addressing human rights and gender inequality, contributing to achieving SDGs.
You can read the full policy brief here: Addressing Infertility within Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Commitment to Human Rights and Sustainable Development – Policy Brief
The executive summary is available here: Breaking the Silence on Infertility – Executive Summary
