In Bangladesh, where motherhood is central to a woman’s identity, infertility goes beyond being a medical issue—it becomes a social stigma. Many women battling infertility face not only the emotional strain of their condition but also harsh judgment and discrimination. For some, being unable to conceive leads to emotional abuse, violence, and social exile. In a society that often equates womanhood with motherhood, the pressure to bear children can be overwhelming.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) offer hope to many, yet these treatments remain largely out of reach due to their high costs and the pervasive misinformation surrounding them. While scientific advancements in fertility treatment have revolutionized reproductive health globally, these technologies are still inaccessible to many women in Bangladesh.
A study titled Infertility and Assisted Reproduction as Violent Experiences for Women in Bangladesh by Dr. Papreen Nahar and Farhana Alam reveals that infertile women often face societal exclusion, where they are perceived as incomplete or even cursed. Dr. Nahar, an expert in global health, explains that the emotional and social consequences of infertility are severe. In many cases, being childless leads to family violence, social isolation, and financial strain. Unfortunately, infertility is rarely addressed in public health policies, leaving women with limited support from government services.
Research indicates that 15% of Bangladeshi women suffer from infertility, the highest rate in South Asia. The emotional toll is profound, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Women seeking medical help often face blame and judgment rather than support.
Beyond the medical challenges, women endure immense pressure from their families and communities. Many are pushed toward traditional healing practices or face pressure to enter second marriages to “fix” the problem, adding to their emotional burden.
Despite the availability of ARTs, the cost of treatments such as IVF and IUI is prohibitive for most families. Dr. Farhana Anam, a fertility specialist, points out that while ARTs could address many infertility issues, financial barriers prevent most women from accessing them. The lack of trained specialists and the absence of regulations to ensure quality care further complicate the situation.
The financial strain of pursuing ARTs often leads to economic hardship. Families exhaust their savings in hopes of having a child, only to face repeated treatment failures, further deepening their social humiliation.
In Bangladesh, infertility is predominantly seen as a women’s issue, even though male infertility contributes to at least 50% of infertility cases worldwide. However, deeply ingrained patriarchal norms prevent open discussions about male infertility. Even when male infertility is diagnosed, it is rarely acknowledged, and the burden of blame falls squarely on the woman.
The study also highlights a troubling lack of awareness about male reproductive health. Men are often reluctant to undergo fertility tests, and when male infertility is suspected, it is often concealed to protect the family’s honor. Dr. Sabina Faiz Rashid, director of BRAC University’s Center for Gender, Sexual, and Reproductive Health and Rights, emphasizes the cultural reluctance to hold men accountable. Women, therefore, carry the weight of infertility, enduring both the emotional and social consequences of a condition that is rarely addressed openly.
This entrenched stigma not only isolates women but also reinforces harmful misconceptions about infertility. In a society where men are seldom held responsible, women bear the emotional and physical toll of infertility alone, often enduring invasive treatments and repeated failure without acknowledgment of the role their partners may play in the problem.
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