Why Employers Must Finally Embrace Fertility Time Off — The Shocking Truth Behind IVF and Work

Posted on 12 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min

Imagine juggling a demanding job while undergoing an emotionally and physically taxing IVF cycle. Sounds overwhelming, right? Yet, for many women, this is just the reality they face — often without the legal protections or workplace support they desperately need.

A recent article in The Independent titled “Of course women should be allowed time off work for IVF” throws a spotlight on this very dilemma. As birth rates decline and governments encourage higher fertility, the barriers to accessing fertility treatments like IVF remain stubbornly high — especially in the workplace.

So, why hasn’t legislation caught up with the needs of modern families?

First, let's unpack the current landscape. Fertility treatments such as IVF require multiple appointments, hormone injections, and often physically draining procedures. The stress alone can be enough to affect treatment success. However, many women must choose between taking unpaid leave, risking job security, or hiding their treatment altogether.

This lack of support not only harms individuals but also impacts fertility rates on a broader scale. If governments truly want to encourage more births, it's essential that workplace policies evolve to recognize fertility treatment as a legitimate medical need.

But there’s more to the fertility journey than clinical interventions— and that’s where at-home solutions have become a game-changer.

Enter MakeAMom, a pioneering company specializing in at-home insemination kits designed to bridge gaps in accessibility and affordability for those navigating fertility challenges outside traditional clinics. Their product lineup — including the CryoBaby kit for low-volume or frozen sperm, the Impregnator kit for low motility sperm, and the BabyMaker kit tailored for users with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus — empowers individuals and couples to take control of their conception journey in the comfort of their own home.

Why is this important? Because not everyone can afford or take time off work for repeated clinic visits. At-home insemination kits offer a confidential, cost-effective, and often less invasive alternative — especially valuable in workplaces lacking fertility-friendly policies.

Here’s what makes MakeAMom stand out in today’s fertility landscape:

Reusability: Their kits are reusable, which dramatically lowers costs compared to disposable options.
Privacy: All shipments come discreetly packaged, respecting user confidentiality — a crucial factor for those wary of workplace stigma.
Versatility: Tailored options meet diverse fertility needs, from sperm motility issues to physical sensitivities.
Impressive Success: An average reported success rate of 67% offers hope to many on their path to parenthood.

The intersection of workplace policy and accessible fertility technology is critical. While legislative advocacy pushes for time-off rights, tools like MakeAMom provide immediate, practical solutions that people can use on their own terms.

What can be done next?

Employers: Start recognizing fertility treatments as essential medical care and include dedicated time off in workplace policies.
Policymakers: Create mandated protections and support programs for individuals undergoing fertility treatment.
Individuals: Explore all options available, including at-home insemination kits, to find the path that best suits your unique situation.

If you’re curious about how you can take steps towards conception without compromising your work commitments, exploring options such as the BabyMaker at-home insemination kit can be a great starting point.

In conclusion, the conversation about fertility and work is overdue. Women and couples deserve workplace policies that acknowledge and support their fertility journeys. Meanwhile, innovative solutions like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits offer immediate, empowering alternatives that align with modern life’s complexities.

What do you think — should fertility treatments be recognized with the same workplace support as other medical needs? Have you or someone you know faced challenges balancing work and fertility care? Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let’s push for change, together.

References: - Helen Coffey’s piece in The Independent: Of course women should be allowed time off work for IVF - MakeAMom official website: https://www.makeamom.com/artificial-insemination-kit/babymaker-at-home-insemination-kit