Around 1 in 7 couples have troubles conceiving. 

Over 3.5 million people in the U.K alone battle fertility issues. 

IVF and IUI are just two routes to consider for people who want to have a child but have fertility issues. 

Whilst most of us have heard of one or both of these terms, they are umbrellas covering a world of emotional, mental and physical trauma, medications, operations, multiple injections not to mention the financial costs and implications involved. An umbrella that covers a world of emotional turmoil which the world is largely unaware of. Sadly when one attempt fails, this agonising journey begins all over again.

Once pregnant, women are legally entitled to paid leave for pregnancy related matters such as scans and morning sickness this then progresses into maternity leave in itself covering both the run up to the birth and the following months. 

What about the women who’s traumatic journey to motherhood starts long before conception? 

One of my nearest and dearest is currently undergoing her third round of IVF. Having served almost 20 years for her employer she now has to contemplate unpaid time off work as her annual leave entitlement has already been used up in previous failed cycles. Sometimes this means taking two weeks at a time to allow for the ‘two week wait’ - a term used for the agonising two week window following a transfer during which the embryo will either stick or result in a failed attempt- which leaves the patient feeling extremely low. A successful cycle doesn’t always lead to a baby; often miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and unviable pregnancies require a grieving process. Often this causes depression and serious mental health problems can arise. All this whilst they are working full time. 

Many women consider leaving their jobs during fertility treatment because they are unable to take the time off they require for medical appointments and treatment.  The journey can involve multiple daily injections, suppositories and tablets which are difficult to do in some workplaces. Often they are unable to administer these themselves and need their partner to administer them.
For most unpaid leave simply isn’t an option and they sacrifice their mental well-being and chances of success. 

Its time for change. The maternity leave support for women needs to start in the process of becoming a mother. Let’s campaign together for legal rights to paid leave entitlement for women undergoing fertility treatment. 

IVF and other fertility treatments can cost up to £15,000+ for one round. Couples invest so much in this process both emotionally and physically but also financially. They need support from our government during this journey. This includes men, women and same sex couples - it is a journey for so many. 

The journey to parenthood doesn’t always begin at becoming pregnant; for some pregnancy is the end of a journey and the beginning of another. Being pregnant is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Let’s provide help and support for these warriors.