Infertility affects 6.1 million in the US, resulting in the abnormal functioning of the male and/or female reproductive system,. This leads to difficulty conceiving and inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Often intense feelings of anger, depression, fear, isolation and envy emerge as a result of an infertility diagnosis, especially for those just beginning to understand the implications infertility will have on their desire to build a family. Many infertile men and women are faced with an overwhelming and unfamiliar list of medical treatment options that can be intimidating and confusing, such as In vitro fertilization (IVF), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Traditional health insurance programs do not cover these expensive infertility treatment. RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, was founded in 1974 in an effort to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility, and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy. RESOLVE helps members “resolve” their infertility through medical treatment, adoption, or the decision to live child-free. RESOVLE serves more than 13,500 members nationwide, and has more than 50 local chapters throughout the US. Consumer services include a National Helpline, physician referral, and educational publications. The RESOLVE website reaches over one million annually with a wide range of infertility information. RESOLVE also advocates for health care coverage for infertility, medical research, and adoption benefits. Most importantly, RESOLVE helps infertile couples and individuals connect with others through peer counseling, support groups, and Chapter meetings. See www.resolve.org
Learning Objectives: 1. To obtain information about facts and statistics related to infertility in the United States; 2. To receive an overview of the causes of male and female factor infertility; 3. To obtain an overview of current state and federal legislation related to infertility that affects health insurance coverage and medical research; 4. To learn about RESOLVE, the National Infertility Assocation that serves 13,500 members across the United States; 5. To learn how RESOLVE has effectively supported and advocated for its members through helplines, physician referrals, educational seminars and publications, peer counseling, and support groups; 6. To learn effective ways to support individuals and couples who are experiencing infertility.
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Access to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.