Stimulating fertility awareness: the importance of getting the language right
Heidi Mertes, Joyce Harper, Jacky Boivin, Maria Ekstrand, Bola Grace, Mariana Moura‐Ramos, Satu Rautakallio-Hokkanen, Mara Simopoulou, Karin Hammarberg, the International Fertility Education Initiative (IFEI)
Abstract
While education about fertility is not intrinsically controversial, finding the right language to communicate the topic can be challenging, as there are several risks of unintended negative effects such as dissonance, anxiety, culpability, and stigma due to social norming. In this article, we share some of our learnings from promoting fertility awareness in the hope that they will inspire further debate and research on this topic. Starting from the ethical principles of respect for reproductive autonomy, avoiding harm (in terms of stigma or anxiety) and inclusivity, we have formulated five recommendations: (i) frame fertility awareness messages with (reproductive) autonomy in mind and aim to be inclusive of those who do not represent the traditional nuclear family; (ii) be empathetic and steer clear of blame; (iii) avoid scaremongering and offer a positive angle; (iv) give due consideration to both women and men in fertility health messaging; and (v) tailor the messages to particular contexts and audiences and develop resources in close collaboration with the target groups.