Is infertility a disability?

Asked by: Jeremie Reilly  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)

Just like pregnancy is protected, so too is infertility discrimination. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that reproduction is a “major life activity” and conditions that interfere with reproduction should be regarded as disabilities per the American Disabilities Act.

Can infertility be considered a disability?

According to the United States Supreme Court case Bragdon v. Abbott, 524 U.S. 624 (1998), infertility is considered a major life activity and therefore is a disability under the ADA. The law is clear that if an employee is discriminated against on the basis of his or her infertility, the employer violated the ADA.

Are fertility problems a disability?

The absence of an established definition of infertility results in varying estimates of its prevalence within and between populations. Infertility is being regarded as a disease due its 'medicalisation'. It is not less than a disability.

Is infertility considered a medical condition?

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility may occur due to male, female or unexplained factors.

Is infertility considered a trauma?

Huang has mentioned infertility as a significant trauma (11). After the acceptance of their infertility, women think of themselves as vulnerable individuals and, therefore, experience the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (12).

We Thought Hannah Was Pregnant | Our Infertility Story

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Is infertility bad karma?

You may mistakenly believe that your infertility is a sign of weakness or “bad karma” for something in your past. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about the causes of infertility, and connecting with others who are facing the same challenges can help you overcome this destructive self-judgment.

What is female infertility called?

Anovulation. Female infertility caused by anovulation is called "anovulatory infertility", as opposed to "ovulatory infertility" in which ovulation is present. Diminished ovarian reserve, also see Poor Ovarian Reserve.

How long of trying is considered infertility?

For public health data collection, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after 1 year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age. As a result, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.

Why is infertility not covered by insurance?

Infertility treatment, on the other hand, is typically not covered, regardless of whether it is iatrogenic or naturally occurring. One reason many insurance companies refuse to cover ART is that they are often viewed as elective procedures, not medically necessary ones.

What states cover infertility?

The states that mandate private insurers to cover some form of fertility coverage are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

What not to say to infertility?

What Not to Say to Someone With Infertility Concerns
  • Don't assume everyone wants or can have children. ...
  • Don't suggest stress plays a role with infertility. ...
  • It's not always easy to get pregnant. ...
  • Avoid asking intrusive questions about reproduction.

Will I lose my disability if I get pregnant?

The social security disability provides benefits to people with disabilities who qualify for disability in the Blue Book. Routine pregnancy may not qualify you for disability benefits. Being pregnant may prevent you from doing some types of routine work or cause temporary disabilities lasting less than 5 months period.

Can you write off infertility?

Surgeries relating to fertility treatments are recognized by the IRS as a medical expense, as well as surgeries to reverse a prior surgery that has impacted a person's ability to procreate.

What qualifies as pregnancy disability?

PDL is available when an employee is actually disabled. This includes time off needed for prenatal or postnatal care, severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, childbirth, recovery from childbirth, loss or end of pregnancy, or any other related medical condition.

How long should I take off work for IVF?

You shouldn't go back to work the same day, but after that the amount of time you take off for recovery is up to you. Many women feel well enough to go back to work the day after their egg retrieval, while others give themselves a bit more time to rest.

What is the most common infertility issue?

Problems with ovulation are the most common reasons for infertility in women. A woman's age, hormonal imbalances, weight, exposure to chemicals or radiation and cigarette smoking all have an impact on fertility.

What drugs cause infertility in females?

These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some prescription drugs, including psychiatric medications and spironolactone, and chemotherapy drugs. Recreational drugs, such as tobacco, cannabis, and illicit addictive substances, may decrease female fertility.

How many years is considered infertility?

If you're younger than 35, your healthcare provider may diagnose infertility after one year (12 months) of trying to conceive. Trying to conceive is defined as having regular, unprotected sex. If you're 35 or older, your provider may diagnose infertility after six months of regular, unprotected sex.

What is female sperm called?

In animals, female gametes are called ova or egg cells, and male gametes are called sperm.

Can you gain fertility back?

Infertility is quite common, affecting about 15 percent of couples, according to the National Library of Medicine. Fortunately, infertility can sometimes be reversed and women can go on to have babies. In fact, conventional medical therapies can reverse infertility in 85 to 90 percent of all cases.

What pills help you get pregnant?

The most common fertility drugs are:
  • Clomifene citrate (Clomid)
  • Metformin.
  • Gonadotrophins.
  • Bromocriptine and Cabergoline.
  • Antioxidants and vitamins.

Does God punish with infertility?

Thus, except the story of Abraham and Sarah in Abimelech's court, it can be concluded that infertility is not synonymous with God's punishment. The stories of infertile women in the Bible are lifted to emphasise that God alone is in charge of who can conceive, when and how they can conceive.

Is infertility a reason to break up?

According to research, couples who don't have a baby after fertility treatments are three times more likely to get divorced or break up than those that do conceive. The feeling of loneliness, financial strain, and stress that can come with infertility takes its toll on a marriage.

Is infertility a trauma?

The experience of infertility and in vitro fertilization causes reproductive trauma. Infertility has an impact on relationships, emotional wellbeing, and sex life. Women experience being neglected by the healthcare system and providers. Women experience not being fully informed and dehumanized by healthcare providers.