Established in 1974, around a kitchen table of women suffering from an infertility diagnosis in silence, RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association is committed to helping people reach their family-building goals through education, awareness, and advocacy.
With so many barriers in place that prevent families from using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or access to other family-building options to grow their families, non-profit organizations like RESOLVE help families access the resources, education, and support that they need for free.
There are many reasons why Fairfax Surrogacy stands behind organizations like RESOLVE. Driven by support from communities and motivated by inspiration from individuals’ experiences, RESOLVE has grown to be able to deliver a myriad of resources to those who have been impacted by infertility, including providing free support resources, organizing and attending events, advocating for political change at the state and federal level, and offering educational programs. Surrogacy still has restrictions and limitations in various U.S. states, so it is imperative for advocacy organizations like RESOLVE to exist.
Here are five ways that RESOLVE is making a difference:
1. National Infertility Awareness Week
Every year, the National Infertility Association, RESOLVE, hosts National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) to raise awareness about infertility and support those struggling with it. This year, NIAW will take place from April 23-29, 2023, with the theme “Beyond the Silence.”
Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples in the United States, yet it remains a taboo topic that many people feel uncomfortable discussing. This silence can make those struggling with infertility feel isolated and alone, but NIAW seeks to break that silence and provide a community of support and understanding.
Throughout NIAW, RESOLVE will be hosting a variety of events and initiatives, including the NIAW 5-day Challenge, to raise awareness about infertility and provide support to those struggling with it. By participating in NIAW, individuals can help break the silence around infertility and provide support to those struggling with it. Whether through attending events, wearing orange, or hosting fundraisers, everyone can make a difference in the infertility community.
It’s important to remember that infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure. No one should have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed of their struggles. By coming together and supporting one another, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society for all those affected by infertility.
2. Financial resources for those in need
Family building can be cost-prohibitive for many too. While Fairfax Surrogacy has competitive fixed-fee surrogacy costs, RESOLVE also works to offer resources for people who depend on alternative means to build their families, whether through fertility treatment, adoption, or third-party reproduction options such as surrogacy.
Unfortunately, these alternatives are not widely accessible to all. In fact, it is difficult for many families to cover their costs or incorporate them into their lifestyles. This is largely due to the fact that these alternatives are not typically covered by most major insurance coverage, and many employers are not accommodating toward them.
3. Coverage at Work Initiative
Advocacy is needed in order to ensure that more people have access to the resources they need to build their families however they choose.
RESOLVE’s Coverage at Work Initiative is devoted to improving people’s ability to access family-building benefits, including surrogacy assistance, through their employer. The initiative focuses on advocating for employer-provided insurance coverage for infertility treatment and educating employers about the importance of offering this coverage.
Infertility treatment can be expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover the cost of these treatments. This can create a financial burden for individuals and couples already dealing with the emotional stress of infertility. RESOLVE’s Coverage at Work initiative aims to change this by working with employers to offer comprehensive insurance coverage for infertility treatment.
By working to increase access to infertility treatment, RESOLVE’s Coverage at Work initiative aims to provide hope and support to those struggling with infertility. The initiative recognizes that infertility is a medical condition that requires medical treatment and that everyone deserves access to that treatment, regardless of their financial situation or employer-provided insurance coverage.
4. RESOLVE Advocacy Network Programs
RESOLVE’s Advocacy Network (RAN) is comprised of infertility and family-building advocates who are motivated to promote legislation that increases access to ART and all other family-building options.The network is made up of volunteers who are passionate about increasing access to infertility treatment and improving the lives of those affected by infertility.
RAN works to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of infertility treatment and advocates for legislation that would improve access to care. This includes advocating for insurance coverage for infertility treatment, protecting the rights of individuals and couples using assisted reproductive technology, and supporting research into new infertility treatments.
Through RAN, individuals and couples affected by infertility can connect with others who share their experiences and learn how to effectively advocate for change. RAN provides training and resources on advocacy best practices, as well as opportunities to engage with elected officials and policymakers.
RAN also offers a variety of tools and resources to help advocates get involved in advocacy efforts, including issue briefs, talking points, and sample letters to legislators. These resources make it easy for advocates to get involved and make a difference in the infertility community.
To stay on top of the latest laws related to family-building, sign up to receive alerts from the RESOLVE Advocacy Network (RAN).
5. Free Resources for Support
RESOLVE works with families to help provide support and spread awareness so that they can combat the stigmas underlying infertility, raising only children, and living without any children at all.
Here are just some of the available (and FREE!) resources offered by RESOLVE:
- Professional- and peer-led support groups
- RESOLVE HelpLine
- Support and community events
- Additional resources
Fairfax Surrogacy Supports RESOLVE
Many non-profit organizations are helping to break down the barriers and the burden of those impacted by infertility or access to options, but RESOLVE is one that is moving the needle for change, which is why we at Fairfax Surrogacy support them, elevate their work, and encourage our surrogates and Intended Parents to learn more about what they do.
Interested in helping RESOLVE work toward its mission? Become an advocate today!
