As many hopeful families face continued delays in fertility treatment due to COVID-19’s repercussion on access to treatment, and for some, financial fall-out due to the pandemic, new fertility support resource Fertility Help Hub (FHH), which aims to guide, support and connect the fertility community during their journey to parenthood, has announced it is partnering with a global sperm bank and seven leading fertility clinics across America, the United Kingdom and Europe, to offer couples or individuals the chance to receive one round of complimentary IVF treatment or donor sperm.
Following the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s recommendation in March 2020 to immediately and indefinitely suspend all in-person fertility treatments, many would-be parents were forced to halt fertility assistance due to loss of access to care. Since clinics reopened in May there are many who are facing financial hardship as a result of the global pandemic, leaving them unable to cover the high cost of treatment. In addition, there are also those who feel unsure or unsafe about continuing treatment. In a recent study of 92 women, more than half had had an IVF cycle cancelled and approximately one-third had been in the middle of IUI when treatments were suspended. 86% of those polled reported that the delay in treatment had a negative impact on their mental health, and 52% reported severe symptoms of depression. Similarly, of 108 women polled by Fertility Help Hub across Europe and America, two thirds feared delay in treatment would decrease their chances of conception, while 55% said they had received no clear guidance from their clinics during this distressing and confusing time.
With one in eight couples trying to conceive in the United States reportedly experiencing fertility problems[i], more would-be parents are turning to the medical community for help more than ever before. Founder of Fertility Help Hub, Eloise Edington says “We know from our community that COVID-19 has taken away from many the hope of becoming parents. At Fertility Help Hub, we are making it our mission to give that hope back. The ‘Fertility Clinics vs. COVID” initiative is about going one step further and providing a bridge during a very difficult time. Having worked closely with fertility clinics across the U.K., Europe and the U.S.A., I am very happy to announce that we can offer up to four couples or solo parents in the United States the opportunity to receive a free round of IVF or donor sperm for their fertility treatment.” Eloise launched the site in 2019 following her own personal fertility struggle, after her husband was diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome, which affects approximately 1 in 660 men and caused his infertility. After traveling to the U.S.A. for specialist care, Eloise and her husband are proud parents to three sperm donor conceived children.
Dr. Guy Ringler, partner at California Fertility Partners says of their safety practices: "The early days of the pandemic severely impacted fertility care in many ways, whether it was sudden financial issues, health concerns, travel restrictions or other hurdles. Yet we've adapted to this new normal by increasing our already top-notch health and safety measures at the practice, hosting virtual consultations, and working with healthcare providers around the world so people can take some key steps in their hometown without traveling. Making sure fertility care remains accessible and safe for everyone is paramount for us."
Dr. Robert Kiltz of CNY Fertility in New York says, “Fertility treatment brings about financial hardship for most, no matter the time, as the average cost of treatment is more than the average Americans discretionary income. Pile on a pandemic that has caused record levels of unemployment and hardship, and the financial burden is even more trying. We are proud to be partnering with Fertility Help Hub and the other clinics participating in giving these remarkable gifts.”
Dr. Smotrich of La Jolla IVF states, “The pandemic has affected fertility care but we have found creative, safe ways for patients to continue their journey to parenthood. Our strict adherence to mitigation strategies for patient protection has been remarkably successful. We are so gratified to report that our first groups of patients who have undergone treatment during these unprecedented times have and are successfully delivering their babies. And so against all odds the cycle of life continues.”
Fertility Help Hub is committed to providing support and community resources to thousands of women, men, couples and solo parents seeking fertility advice. To show further support, it has launched its global initiative to provide a total of four couples or solo parents in America the opportunity to receive fertility treatment or donor sperm at no cost. To apply for this opportunity, simply submit your application, with the story of your own personal journey so far, before March 10, 2021 via www.fertilityhelphub.com/
During this 8-week initiative, Eloise will be running a series of live video interviews with the eight fertility partners involved in the campaign, as well as multiple ambassadors who have been affected by infertility. These live Q&As will cover a wide range of fertility issues, including the impact of COVID-19. They will be available across social channels and on the website.
ABOUT FERTILITY HELP HUB
Launched in 2019, Fertility Help Hub is the leading lifestyle fertility platform, which reaches hundreds of thousands of people around the world who are at different stages of their fertility journeys and are looking for community support, virtual events and expert content / resources. It provides expert insight, conception resources, inspiring real-life stories, health and wellbeing information.
https://www.fertilityhelphub.
Instagram: @fertility_help_hub
Pinterest: Fertility Help Hub
Twitter: @fertility_hh
Campaign partners providing treatment or donor sperm:
The Agora, UK
California Fertility Partners, USA
CNY Fertility, USA & location in Montreal, Canada
CRGH, UK
Cryos International Sperm & Egg Bank
La Jolla IVF, USA
Clinica Tambre, Spain
Unica, Czech Republic
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