Imagine facing the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment while juggling a 9-to-5 job with zero support from your employer. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A recent article in The Independent, titled Of course women should be allowed time off work for IVF, highlights a disheartening gap in legislation and workplace culture around fertility treatments—right at a time when governments globally are urging families to have more children to counter declining birthrates.

So, what's going on here? Why, in 2025, are so many women and couples still fighting for basic workplace accommodations while undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments? The answer lies in a complex interplay of outdated policies, stigma, and a lack of awareness about fertility as a health issue.

The stark reality behind fertility and work

• In many countries, fertility treatments like IVF require multiple doctor visits, hormone injections, and recovery days—none of which fit neatly into the traditional sick leave category.
• Unlike physical illnesses, fertility struggles are often invisible and misunderstood, leading to minimal legal protections for time off.
• The emotional and physical toll of treatments is enormous, yet workplace policies rarely acknowledge these challenges.

The Independent’s article points out that this lack of support isn’t just unfair; it’s counterproductive. As governments push for increased birthrates amidst declining fertility trends, failing to provide workplace accommodations for fertility treatments essentially builds yet another barrier for hopeful parents.

Data-driven insights: The cost of inaction

Studies have shown that workplace discrimination or lack of flexibility for employees undergoing fertility treatments contributes to stress, decreased treatment success rates, and higher dropout rates from fertility programs. This has a direct economic impact:

• The average success rate reported by innovative home insemination solutions like MakeAMom's systems is an impressive 67%, but these methods require proper timing and emotional bandwidth that a supportive work environment can facilitate.
• Stress from juggling inflexible work schedules can reduce fertility treatment effectiveness, increasing overall costs for individuals and healthcare systems.

Why home insemination kits are a game-changing solution

This is where technology and at-home solutions become essential allies. Companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing fertility support by offering discreet, reusable insemination kits designed to empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey outside clinical settings.

• Their product line addresses specific challenges such as low-volume sperm (CryoBaby), low motility sperm (Impregnator), and sensitivities like vaginismus (BabyMaker).
• These options provide flexibility, comfort, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional clinic visits, potentially reducing the need for extensive time off work.

But should the burden be on individuals alone? Absolutely not.

Workplace cultures and legislation must evolve to recognize fertility treatments as a legitimate medical necessity requiring reasonable accommodations. This includes:

• Paid time off for fertility appointments and recovery
• Privacy protections and anti-discrimination policies
• Flexible working hours or remote work options during treatment cycles

What can employees and employers do now?

• Employees: Empower yourself with knowledge about your legal rights and available fertility support options like home insemination kits.
• Employers: Start conversations with HR about creating inclusive, supportive fertility policies. Consider partnering with fertility resource companies to provide employees with discreet, cost-effective at-home solutions.

A call to action for change

The conversation spurred by The Independent's article is just the tip of the iceberg. As the birthrate decline becomes a pressing societal issue, it’s time for lawmakers and employers alike to catch up and support the fertility journeys of their communities.

Could flexible work policies combined with innovative at-home fertility technologies be the key to turning the tide? We believe so.

Have you faced challenges balancing fertility treatments with work? What solutions or changes would make the biggest difference for you? Share your thoughts below and join the movement for workplace fertility support.

Because when workplaces support fertility, everyone wins.