National Infertility Awareness Week
April 19 - April 25
About National Infertility Awareness Week
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) takes place from 19 to 25 April 2026, raising awareness about the challenges of infertility and advocating for better access to diagnosis and treatment. Founded by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association in 1989, the week has been a federally recognised health observance by the US Department of Health and Human Services since 2010.
What is National Infertility Awareness Week?
National Infertility Awareness Week is an annual campaign organised by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the largest and most established patient advocacy organisation dedicated to infertility in the United States. The week brings together patients, healthcare providers, advocates, and allies to raise public awareness about infertility, reduce the stigma surrounding the condition, and advocate for legislation that improves access to fertility treatments and insurance coverage. The 2026 theme, “More Than,” recognises that infertility does not look one way and amplifies the diversity of paths, identities, cultures, and families navigating infertility.
When is National Infertility Awareness Week?
National Infertility Awareness Week 2026 runs from Sunday, 19 April to Saturday, 25 April. The week is typically observed during the last full week of April each year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 19 April – Saturday, 25 April |
| 2027 | Sunday, 18 April – Saturday, 24 April |
| 2028 | Sunday, 23 April – Saturday, 29 April |
| 2029 | Sunday, 22 April – Saturday, 28 April |
| 2030 | Sunday, 21 April – Saturday, 27 April |
Why National Infertility Awareness Week Matters
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 8 couples in the United States — roughly 6.7 million people of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, infertility remains widely misunderstood and stigmatised. Many people who experience infertility report feelings of isolation, shame, and inadequacy, compounded by a lack of insurance coverage for fertility treatments in most US states. Only a limited number of states mandate insurance coverage for IVF and other fertility treatments, leaving many families facing costs of $15,000 to $30,000 or more per IVF cycle out of pocket.
NIAW provides a platform for individuals and couples to share their stories, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for legislative change. The week also serves as an important reminder that infertility affects people of all backgrounds, ages, genders, and relationship types. If you are passionate about health-related advocacy, Stress Awareness Month, also held in April, highlights the broader impact of health challenges on mental wellbeing.
How to Get Involved in National Infertility Awareness Week
There are many ways to show your support during NIAW:
- Wear orange — Orange is the official colour of infertility awareness, chosen by RESOLVE because it represents wellness, emotional energy, compassion, and warmth. Wearing orange throughout the week signals solidarity with those affected by infertility.
- Share your story — If you have experienced infertility, consider sharing your journey on social media using #NIAW and #MoreThan. Personal stories reduce stigma and help others feel less alone.
- Attend a RESOLVE event — RESOLVE hosts educational webinars, advocacy training, and community events throughout the week. Check their website for the 2026 schedule.
- Contact your representatives — Advocate for legislation that expands insurance coverage for fertility treatments. RESOLVE provides template letters and advocacy toolkits to make this process straightforward.
- Educate yourself about infertility — Learn about the causes of infertility, available treatments, and the emotional impact on individuals and couples. RESOLVE and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provide comprehensive patient resources.
- Support someone you know — If a friend or family member is experiencing infertility, reach out with compassion. Avoid offering unsolicited advice and instead simply listen and validate their feelings.
- Donate to infertility organisations — Contributions to RESOLVE and similar organisations fund patient support programmes, advocacy work, and educational resources.
History of National Infertility Awareness Week
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association was founded in 1974 by Barbara Eck Manning, a woman who experienced infertility herself and recognised the need for a support network for others facing the same challenges. The organisation established National Infertility Awareness Week in 1989 as a dedicated period to raise public awareness and advocate for patients’ rights.
In 2010, NIAW achieved a significant milestone when the US Department of Health and Human Services officially recognised it as a federal health observance. This recognition elevated the week’s profile and helped secure broader media coverage and institutional support.
Over the decades, NIAW themes have evolved to reflect the changing landscape of infertility treatment and advocacy. Recent themes have focused on inclusivity, recognising that infertility affects individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ families, single parents by choice, and people of colour who face additional barriers to accessing fertility care.
Noteworthy Facts About Infertility
- Infertility affects approximately 1 in 8 couples in the United States, impacting roughly 6.7 million people of reproductive age.
- Infertility affects men and women equally — about one-third of cases are attributed to female factors, one-third to male factors, and one-third to a combination or unexplained causes.
- RESOLVE was founded in 1974 and is the largest and longest-established infertility patient advocacy organisation in the United States.
- Only a limited number of US states mandate insurance coverage for fertility treatments such as IVF.
- The average cost of a single IVF cycle in the United States ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, excluding medication costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Infertility Awareness Week?
NIAW is an annual awareness campaign organised by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to raise awareness about infertility, reduce stigma, and advocate for better access to diagnosis and treatment.
When is National Infertility Awareness Week in 2026?
NIAW 2026 runs from Sunday, 19 April to Saturday, 25 April. The 2026 theme is “More Than.”
What is the orange ribbon for?
The orange ribbon is the symbol of infertility awareness. It was chosen because orange represents wellness, emotional energy, compassion, and warmth. Wearing orange during NIAW shows solidarity with the millions of people affected by infertility.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Infertility Awareness Week with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NIAW and #MoreThan on social media. The more people who understand infertility, the less isolated those going through it will feel.
Related Awareness Days
- Stress Awareness Month — Also observed in April, this month-long campaign highlights the impact of stress on physical and mental health.
- Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week — Held in May, focusing on the mental health challenges faced during pregnancy, postpartum, and the fertility journey.
- World Health Day — Observed on 7 April, addressing a different global health priority each year.
Links
- Visit the official NIAW website
- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
