Why Orange? National Infertility Awareness Week

Photo by Oleg Laptev on Unsplash

If you’ve noticed more orange this week - on social media, in people’s clothing, or even lighting up buildings - you’ve witnessed National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) in action.

Established by RESOLVE in 1989, NIAW (April 20–26 this year) aims to raise awareness about infertility and reduce stigma and barriers to fertility care. The color orange represents hope, community, and the fight against isolation.

As a therapist who supports individuals and couples navigating infertility, I see firsthand how deep this grief runs. Infertility isn’t just about medical appointments or test results - it touches relationships, identity, finances, holidays, and the quietest corners of self-worth.

In my latest essay, I explore:
🧡 The emotional and relational impact of infertility
🧡 How social stigma compounds grief and isolation
🧡 Why men’s experiences of infertility deserve more attention
🧡 What my recent qualitative research revealed about masculinity and infertility
🧡 How awareness and compassionate support can begin to heal the trauma of reproductive loss

Read the full essay on Substack!

If you’re interested in learning more about my counseling approach, or simply want to stay connected to reflections on infertility, grief, and healing, visit my About Me page or subscribe to my Substack for new essays and updates.