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Invisible people: A story of fertility treatment and loss during the pandemic

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  • Heather Griffiths

Abstract

This account of fertility treatment during the pandemic weaves autobiographical narrative with empirical evidence to show how infertility and loss is experienced by women in the modern workplace. It charts my experience of fertility treatment during the lockdown of 2020 and draws on recent studies to highlight the psychological impact of infertility, the impact it has on work and career, and the stark absence of workplace support. By offering an in‐depth portrayal of fertility treatment, I hope to not only to raise awareness about the experience but also explore the interaction between infertility, health, and work, and how this has changed—for better and worse—during lockdown.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather Griffiths, 2021. "Invisible people: A story of fertility treatment and loss during the pandemic," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(S2), pages 397-404, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:28:y:2021:i:s2:p:397-404
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Resul Cesur & Pinar Mine Gunes & Erdal Tekin & Aydogan Ulker, 2023. "Socialized Healthcare and Women’s Fertility Decisions," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 58(3), pages 1028-1055.
    2. Farré, Lídia & González, Libertad, 2019. "Does paternity leave reduce fertility?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 52-66.
    3. Ea Høg Utoft, 2020. "‘All the single ladies’ as the ideal academic during times of COVID‐19?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(5), pages 778-787, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ioana Lupu, 2021. "An autoethnography of pregnancy and birth during Covid times: Transcending the illusio of overwork in academia?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(5), pages 1898-1911, September.
    2. Clare Mumford & Krystal Wilkinson & Michael Carroll, 2023. "“Potential parenthood” and identity threats: Navigating complex fertility journeys alongside work and employment," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(3), pages 982-998, May.

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