Although from the outside, having a child, adopting, choosing to adopt or choosing not to have children might seem logical ends to infertility, there are many ways in which infertility has long-lasting, sometimes life-long, implications for a person. This can be seen in the challenges of the adoption life, the on-going grief of infertility losses, or the continual uncertainty and strain (physical, emotional, financial) of assisted reproduction. Often, people who find themselves in this new arena—not technically in the infertile community, but not strictly belonging anywhere else—experience deep confusion and loneliness.

 Over the month of October, our stories will explore some of the many ways in which infertility can very much be a part of a person’s life even when they have entered parenthood or have made the choice to follow a different life path. We hope to give a picture of what this looks like in the personal life, to resonate with those going through it, and to give a sense of direction for those wanting to cultivate understanding and sensitivity towards a loved one in this emotional place.