Struggling with infertility is a great burden for couples, especially when they so deeply desire to live out their vocation to welcome the gift of children from God. All may seem hopeless. In moments such as these, remember that despite infertility, couples "can have a married life that is filled with love and meaning".
The grief and pain of infertility is so sorrowful. Our hearts break for all whom carry this cross. It might feel like God has abandoned you, but Christ is with you more than ever in your suffering. While there are no easy answers, hope and healing is possible in community. You are not alone.
Accompaniment and Support
Springs in the Desert accompanies those struggling with infertility by offering a place of respite and solidarity where they can know God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness.
For those who have gone through IVF and have concerns and questions, Shiloh is a post-IVF ministry worth checking out.
Hear stories from others who have experienced infertility on Mamas in Spirit “A Mini-Retreat in a Podcast” ministry hosted by Lindy Wynne.
Church Teaching
The US bishops offer further resources and information on infertility, including Church teaching, consolation ministries, and guidelines on reproductive technology available in alignment with our faith.
Some notable resources from the USCCB include:
- Reproductive Technologies: Guidelines for Catholic Couples
- A Catholic Primer on In vitro Fertilization
- Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology / Introdución católica a la fecundación in vitro
Check out articles about IVF from the USCCB initiative “Love means more.”
Ethical Medical Treatment
- FACTS Resource: Restorative Reproductive Medicine for Infertility
This two-page resource provides basic information about ethical Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). FACTS is an organization that is devoted to educating healthcare professionals about these ethical medical interventions as well as the science and methods of Natural Family Planning. - Fertility Education Medical Management (FEMM)—Medical Platform
Please note: FEMM does not require its teachers or medical practitioners to be “NFP-only.” It is important to discuss this concern with individual FEMM providers who may be “NFP-only.” That said, the physicians of the medical platform practice medicine in accordance with Catholic teachings.
- MyCatholicDoctor.com is the largest platform of Catholic physicians who are trained in Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) in the USA. They offer RRM billed to insurance as well as education in seven different methods of Natural Family Planning (which can be a “first step” to evaluating a married couple’s fertility).
- Paul VI Institute, home of FertilityCare and NaPro Technology
The St. Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction is devoted to ethical women’s healthcare that supports Catholic teaching.
If miscarriage and perinatal loss are also a part of your journey, please visit our bereavement webpage for perinatal loss.