Infertility and involuntary childlessness are significant challenges in Europe, affecting one in six couples. These issues extend beyond personal struggles - they impact the future of our societies and test our collective commitment to fairness and equality.
Involuntary childlessness impacts all communities, but marginalised groups—such as people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ communities, single parents, those from low-income backgrounds, and immigrant or asylum-seeking populations—face even greater obstacles. Prohibitive costs, limited access to care, and inadequate sexual education expose the gap between Europe’s values and its reality.
Discrimination based on age, religion, or cultural beliefs further restricts access to fertility services. Economic pressures, such as high living costs, unstable job prospects, and insufficient social support, force many to delay or reconsider starting a family. Meanwhile, environmental and climate concerns complicate these decisions, contributing to Europe’s demographic challenges.
To address these challenges, we are proud to announce the launch of the Coalition for Fertility, a partnership of 12 organisations from across Europe and beyond. This coalition unites those affected by involuntary childlessness, medical professionals, and advocates for women's rights, mental health, and reproductive rights. Our shared mission is to ensure access to fertility treatments, comprehensive sexuality education, and family planning support for all. We believe reproductive autonomy and fertility care are fundamental human rights, deeply rooted in social justice.
We’re excited to invite you to our inaugural event, “Advocating for Comprehensive and Inclusive Fertility Policies in Europe” taking place on 15 October 2024 from 4:00 PM CET at the Renaissance Hotel (Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels, Belgium). The event will be moderated by Katrina Sichel.
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