Why Are We Still Fighting for IVF Time Off at Work in 2025?

Ever felt like you’re juggling a thousand things while trying to get pregnant? Well, you’re not alone. Recently, I came across an eye-opening article in The Independent, titled “Of course women should be allowed time off work for IVF”. It really made me stop and ask: why in 2025 are we still battling for something as basic as time off for fertility treatments at work? Especially when governments are urging us to have more children amid declining birthrates?

Let’s talk about this.

The Hidden Struggle Behind the Scenes

If you’re on this journey—whether through IVF, at-home insemination, or other fertility paths—you know how emotionally and physically taxing it is. Treatments aren’t just appointments; they’re invasive, unpredictable, and often exhausting experiences. Yet, many workplaces still don’t recognize this reality, leaving hopeful parents to navigate appointments and rest days without official support or understanding.

Helen Coffey’s article highlights that despite clear calls from experts and governments, legislation is lagging behind. The result? A gap that forces people to make impossible choices between their careers and their dreams of parenthood.

Does that sound familiar to you?

Why Does Workplace Support Matter So Much?

Imagine trying to coordinate hormone injections, ultrasound scans, and delicate insemination windows around a 9 to 5 job that offers zero flexibility. Stress skyrockets, and stress isn’t a fertility-friendly companion.

Workplace policies that offer time off for IVF and fertility treatments aren’t just perks—they’re necessities. They validate the emotional rollercoaster and physical demands, reduce burnout, and most importantly, they offer a sense of solidarity and understanding.

Enter At-Home Insemination: A Game Changer

Here’s where the story gets even more interesting. Not everyone’s path to parenthood fits into the traditional “clinic visits” mold. At-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, are revolutionizing how people conceive.

These kits are designed for flexibility, privacy, and comfort—allowing individuals and couples to try insemination on their own time, in their own space. Whether you’re using the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility sperm, or the BabyMaker kit tailored for sensitivities like vaginismus, MakeAMom offers reusable, cost-effective solutions that empower you to take control.

Could this be part of the answer to balancing fertility treatment with busy lives and inflexible workplaces? Absolutely.

But the Question Remains: Shouldn’t Time Off Still Be a Right?

In a perfect world, at-home options wouldn’t be the only way to ease the burden. It’s about choice and respect. Whether you’re in a clinic or at home, the emotional and physical toll is real. Helen Coffey’s piece reminds us that the conversation about fertility rights in the workplace isn’t just timely—it’s overdue.

What Can We Do Now?

• Advocate: Share articles like the one from The Independent to raise awareness among employers and policymakers.
• Support: Lean on community platforms for peer support, and share your experiences.
• Explore Alternatives: If clinic visits are tough to juggle, consider at-home insemination kits. They provide a discreet, convenient option that respects your time and privacy.

Final Thoughts

The journey to parenthood is deeply personal, but it’s also shaped by broader societal structures. We deserve workplaces that acknowledge our needs, just like we deserve access to innovative, accessible fertility options.

If you’re curious about at-home insemination kits and how they might fit into your story, check out this comprehensive resource that demystifies the options available today.

So, what do you think? Is it time to demand better support at work for fertility treatments? Or could embracing at-home methods be the way forward for many? Let’s talk in the comments—your story might just help someone else feel less alone.