Infertility is often framed as a story of grief and loss. However, for many, it is a much more complicated journey that can foster unexpected resilience, reshape relationships, and spark advocacy.
Carina Zhu, a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing, is investigating this complex issue that affects approximately one in six couples in Canada. Despite its prevalence, infertility is frequently discussed in clinical terms, leaving many voices silenced. Zhu’s research seeks to amplify these voices and challenge the dominant narrative of infertility as merely a loss.
Zhu’s study is important for nursing practice and education, as it explores the full spectrum of experiences associated with infertility. Zhu, a graduate of the University of Calgary’s nursing program, credits a course in philosophy of science in nursing with helping her view infertility from a broader perspective—beyond the biomedical lens. “It was the first time I thought about infertility not just as a medical issue, but as an experience shaped by language, history, and personal narratives,” she says.
Encouraged by her supervisor, Dr. Nancy Moules, Zhu chose to approach infertility from an interpretive stance. This approach, supported by UCalgary Nursing and funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, allows her to explore the personal and emotional dimensions of the issue.
Zhu’s study includes diverse participants, including nurses like Michaela Palmer, who felt strongly about contributing to research in Alberta, the last province in Canada without provincial support for fertility care. “This research is part of a broader movement to make infertility a topic we talk about more openly,” Palmer says.
One key aspect of Zhu’s research is how infertility can be generative, leading to advocacy and personal growth. For Palmer, the experience became a source of strength, particularly after the stillbirth of her daughter. “I said, ‘I’m grieving loudly,’ and I approached infertility the same way,” she explains. “Being part of this study has allowed me to shift the narrative.”
For Heather de-Rooy, another participant, Zhu’s compassionate approach gave her a chance to share her experience of infertility and the loss of her son. “This study allowed me to talk about our son and keep his memory alive,” she says. “It feels like a way to stay connected to him in a world that often looks away.”
Both Palmer and de-Rooy highlighted the therapeutic impact of simply being heard during the research process. “Zhu let me talk about my daughter’s loss alongside infertility, which made me feel truly understood,” Palmer says. For de-Rooy, the interview was a “quiet healing,” where she felt her experience was witnessed with care and without judgment.
Zhu’s research also highlights significant gaps in both societal understanding and systemic support for those facing infertility. In Alberta, fertility treatments such as IVF can cost upwards of $20,000 per cycle, with no guarantee of success and no financial support from the provincial government. This lack of coverage forces many families to choose between pursuing treatments and facing financial instability.
Workplace support is another challenge. Palmer recalls difficulties when her husband’s employer denied him time off to support her. “It’s not just your appointment,” she says. “You need support too.”
Zhu’s findings stress the importance of validating patients’ experiences. “We women know when something is wrong with our bodies,” Palmer says. “Being heard and validated is critical.”
Zhu also highlights how traditional nursing education focuses primarily on childbearing, leaving nurses underprepared to support individuals facing infertility and loss. Her research aims to challenge these norms and promote more empathetic, inclusive care.
Infertility is a life-altering experience for many women. “It has made me softer in some ways and tougher in others,” says de-Rooy. “I’ve become more aware that everyone carries something.”
As Zhu continues to analyze her data and prepare her dissertation for defense in April 2026, she stresses the importance of the stories shared by her participants. “It’s my research, but their stories made it possible,” she says.
Zhu has been a registered nurse since 2006, specializing in sexual and reproductive health and harm reduction. She has been teaching at the postsecondary level since 2012 and is currently working with Recovery Alberta while completing her PhD.
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