April 18-24, 2021: Infertility Awareness Week

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy; and,

 

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization and American Medical Association define infertility as a disease; and,
 

WHEREAS, infertility affects women and men and does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic level; and,

 

WHEREAS, the LGBTQ community also faces challenges when building their families; and,

 

WHEREAS, all people challenged in their family building journey should have access to all available family building options; and,

 

WHEREAS, family building options include adoption and medical treatment, such as in vitro fertilization and third-party reproduction; and,

 

WHEREAS, cost and lack of insurance coverage are barriers for many in our state to access the family building options they need; and,

 

WHEREAS, raising awareness of infertility and the barriers faced by the family building community is the first step to removing these barriers;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 18-24, 2021 as Infertility Awareness Week in Michigan.