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An Autoethnography of My Experiences of Undergoing Fertility Treatment While Working as an Academic

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  • Samantha Wilkinson

Abstract

In this paper, I provide an autoethnographic account of my experiences of undergoing fertility treatment while working in a higher education institution in the United Kingdom. My autoethnographic reflections are situated in the context of neoliberal academia, characterized by high pressures to perform. Despite the prevalence of infertility and the significant impact that undergoing fertility treatment can have on an individual while trying to fulfill employment responsibilities, infertility has been described as an invisible workplace issue. Through autoethnographic vignettes, I seek to make visible the hitherto stigmatized infertile body in the neoliberal academy by bringing to the fore how I performed my role as an academic while undergoing fertility treatment; highlighting my emotional and embodied experiences of undergoing fertility treatment while working in higher education; and proposing recommendations as to what more can be done to support colleagues undergoing fertility treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Samantha Wilkinson, 2026. "An Autoethnography of My Experiences of Undergoing Fertility Treatment While Working as an Academic," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 1405-1415, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:33:y:2026:i:4:p:1405-1415
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.70134
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