Stimulating fertility awareness: The importance of getting the language right

H. Mertes, J. Harper, J. Boivin, M. Ekstrand Ragnar, B. Grace, M. Moura-Ramos, S. Rautakallio-Hokkanen, M. Simopoulou, K. Hammarberg

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberhoad009
JournalHuman Reproduction Open
Volume2023
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Keywords

  • fertility awareness
  • fertility education
  • health communication
  • inclusion
  • reproductive health

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