In 2015, infertility was a topic many kept quiet about, including me. No one I knew was talking about it, and it felt like a hidden issue. But thanks to recent advocacy efforts, a significant shift is happening. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has issued a proclamation officially recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week, which will be observed from April 20–26. This proclamation is a powerful recognition of the reality of infertility and its impact on 1 in 7 couples in the U.S., including myself.
However, awareness is just the beginning. Infertility treatments are often a long and expensive journey. I personally underwent multiple rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), ultimately resulting in one living child and one miscarriage, which required additional medical procedures. As a military family, we faced the added burden of paying for these treatments entirely out of pocket, as insurance typically does not cover infertility unless it results from a direct injury to reproductive organs.
This is just one example of the many challenges faced by individuals seeking fertility treatments, and it highlights the broken and inconsistent system that doesn’t fully support those trying to build a family.
Driven by these personal experiences, I founded Empowered Infertility, where I serve as an IVF mindset coach and host the “More Than Your Infertility” podcast. Since 2019, I’ve helped women across the country navigate the emotional toll of IVF. I know how isolating it can feel, and I am committed to offering support to others going through similar struggles.
In addition to my coaching work, I recently participated in a federal advocacy day with Resolve, the national infertility association. Alongside others impacted by infertility, I met with South Carolina legislators to share our personal stories. We spoke about the heartbreak, medical treatments, and financial burden that infertility brings, all in the hope of helping lawmakers understand the importance of supporting IVF access.
One advocate I met was a hopeful grandmother from the Lowcountry, whose son and daughter-in-law are currently undergoing IVF to start their family. Despite her Catholic faith, she strongly supports access to IVF care, reminding me that this issue transcends political, religious, and generational divides. It’s about people, not politics.
I am especially grateful for the work of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), which has been a crucial force in South Carolina for years. WREN has fought for access to contraception, bodily autonomy, and the right to make informed reproductive decisions. They played a key role in passing the Pharmacy Access Act, which allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control directly, significantly improving healthcare access in our state.
Now, WREN is leading the fight to protect IVF access, teaching everyday people like me how to advocate for change, even without a political background. And here’s the important thing: You don’t have to testify at the Statehouse or publish an op-ed to make a difference. If you’re in the midst of treatments, just getting through the day is enough. But if you’ve been through this journey, or know someone who has, now is the time to speak up.
Infertility and IVF are no longer topics confined to whispered conversations. More people are finding the courage to share their stories, both publicly and privately. Start with your inner circle—your friends, coworkers, and community. When lawmakers hear from people they know, it can change everything.
IVF isn’t a luxury; it’s often a last resort after years of trying less invasive treatments. It’s a vital medical treatment, and it deserves protection. As we mark National Infertility Awareness Week in South Carolina, let’s do more than acknowledge the issue. Let’s support those going through infertility, ensure IVF access for those who need it, and remind our lawmakers that infertility is a medical diagnosis that doesn’t discriminate—and neither should the laws that govern it.
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