Halifax woman named president of national infertility awareness group

HALIFAX – Infertility is a big issue across Canada, and the Maritime provinces are no exception.

According to the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC), one in six couples suffer from infertility issues and the numbers are divided between men and women.

Despite its relatively common occurrence, there is still stigma surrounding infertility, which is one thing incoming IAAC president Janet Fraser wants to tackle.

Fraser is the only board member from eastern Canada at the volunteer-based organization, and her two-year tenure begins in the new year.

IAAC provides support for people dealing with reproductive issues. It also acts as a patient advocacy group and educates the public about infertility.

“Many people want to keep this thing private,” said Fraser. “There’s a lot of pressure from families to have children and they don’t necessarily want to tell people they’re having difficulty conceiving.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Many people want to keep this thing private," said Fraser. "There's a lot of pressure from families to have children and they don't necessarily want to tell people they're having difficulty conceiving.

“I think by being open about it, we can definitely help each other. It’s very important people are aware and educated about fertility because there is assistance and help.”

Fraser does not hold a medical degree, but she has worked in the fertility industry for more than 20 years.

Her career began at Dalhousie University’s department of obstetrics and gynecology, which started the province’s in vitro fertilization program.

When the program was moved off-site to its current location on Dresden Row, it was renamed Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies.

Fraser was later named chief operating officer, which is a position she currently holds.

She said her passion for her job comes from the belief that family is important.

“When I see what our patients go through to achieve a family, it tells you just how extremely important it is to people, how our patients will put themselves through many treatments at a high financial cost,” she said.

Fraser said she plans to reaffirm IAAC’s mission statement and vision during her time as president. She also wants to better educate support group leaders to assist patients.