Why Are We Still Waiting? The Shocking Truth About IVF Time Off Work

Ever felt like having a baby is harder than landing your dream job? You're not alone. With birthrates declining and governments nudging us to have more kids, it’s baffling that one of the biggest hurdles—time off for IVF—is still tangled in red tape.

That’s the hot button issue Helen Coffey tackles masterfully in The Independent’s recent piece “Of course women should be allowed time off work for IVF”. It’s a must-read if you’re navigating the wild world of fertility or just care about modern workplace fairness.

So, why is IVF time off still such a tough nut to crack?

First off, IVF isn’t your typical doctor’s appointment — it’s a marathon of hormone shots, ultrasounds, sometimes painful procedures, and emotional rollercoasters. Trying to squeeze that into a standard 9-to-5 without support? Nightmare fuel. Yet many workplaces still treat fertility treatments as an afterthought or a luxury, not a medical necessity.

Here’s where it gets frustrating: government policies and workplace laws lag behind reality. While some countries have started to offer paid leave or protections, many people still face judgment, inflexible schedules, or even discrimination. It’s like asking someone to run a triathlon with one leg tied behind their back.

But here’s a silver lining: awareness is growing. The conversation is shifting towards recognizing fertility treatments as part of essential healthcare. And that’s a game-changer for anyone trying to conceive.

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, so what can I do if my workplace isn’t supportive?” This is where knowledge and smart tools come in. For example, if you’re exploring at-home insemination as an alternative or supplement to clinical IVF, companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how people approach conception.

MakeAMom offers discreet, reusable home insemination kits tailored for different fertility challenges, from low sperm motility to sensitivity issues like vaginismus. Their options — CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker — mean more control and privacy for users, potentially reducing some of the stress and logistical headaches that treatments often bring.

Imagine pairing that with thoughtful workplace policies — suddenly, the fertility journey becomes less about battles and more about hope and possibility.

Here’s a quick reality check:

• IVF treatments often require multiple visits and unpredictable schedules.
• Emotional and physical strains can impact work performance.
• Without support, many people hide their fertility struggles, compounding stress.

Workplaces have a real opportunity (and responsibility) to step up. Offering time off or flexible schedules for IVF isn’t just a kindness—it’s a necessity. It means healthier employees, less burnout, and ultimately, more successful fertility journeys.

So, what’s stopping the change? It boils down to stigma, lack of awareness, and outdated policies. But with voices like Helen Coffey’s pushing the conversation forward, and organizations providing real-world solutions, progress feels tantalizingly within reach.

To wrap it up: If you’re on the fertility path, know this—you deserve support, understanding, and yes, time off. And if you’re an employer or policymaker, ask yourself: are you part of the problem, or the solution?

Got thoughts or experiences about fertility and work life? Drop a comment below! Let’s break the silence and build the support system everyone deserves.