NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEK, October 7-14
AS THE U.S. DEBATES THE ISSUES, RESOLVE HOSTS
NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEKŪ,
CALLING FOR PARTNERSHIP IN THIS HEALTHCARE CRISIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
-- 12th Annual National Infertility Awareness WeekŪ, October 7-14 --
BOSTON, OCTOBER 4, 2001 --
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association are celebrating the 12th Annual National Infertility Awareness WeekŪ, October 7-14, as the country debates medical, ethical and social issues such as genetic screening, the use of embryos in stem cell research, cloning of human life and the effects of lifestyle choices on fertility.
"Now, more than ever, it is important for our society -- and women and men struggling with infertility -- to understand the numerous issues surrounding human reproduction and fertility, as new technologies are broadening the treatment options, while also creating the opportunity to possibly treat or cure life-threatening diseases," says Joan Bowen, executive director, RESOLVE. "However, we must also be cautious, as some of these advances come with potentially significant risks.
"One of RESOLVE's founding principles is to provide patients with education and the resources they need to make informed decisions about their options. RESOLVE supports a patient's right to choose to donate their remaining embryos, however, we are firmly opposed to reproductive human cloning," Bowen said. "Women and men also need to know that lifestyle choices, like delaying pregnancy and smoking, can have a negative effect on ones fertility."
During National Infertility Awareness WeekŪ, several events will take place throughout the country, providing valuable information, unique perspective and healthy debate about infertility and related issues. Events include:
· Launch of new magazine, Family Building, in New York City -- October 13
Editorial content to cover infertility, medical treatment, adoption and child-free living
· National Symposium, New York City -- October 14
Full day meeting for both medical professionals and consumers
"This year, National Infertility Awareness WeekŪ focuses on bringing together infertile women and men, medical professionals, counselors, adoption resources, researchers, legislators and others to create a better understanding of today's complex medical and social issues related to human reproduction and family building," said Bowen.
INFERTILITY FACTS: More than 5 million people of childbearing age struggle with the disease of infertility. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up. Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association since 1974, is the oldest and largest consumer nonprofit that provides education, advocacy and support to those struggling with infertility. Each year, National RESOLVE and its network of more than 50 chapters across the U.S. handle over one million contacts from people seeking information about infertility. Contact the RESOLVE HelpLine at 617-623-0744 or visit the RESOLVE website at www.resolve.org
# # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEKŪ, OR FOR A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BEING HELD DURING NIAW, CONTACT:
Gina Cella, Cella Communications
781-334-4692
ginacella@earthlink.net
|
