Infertility affects about 6.7 million people each year. That’s one out of every eight couples. The crushing effects of being unable to conceive a baby can lead to loneliness, depression, anger, and heartache.
If you’re carrying the cross of infertility, know that you do not carry it alone. God is always with you. And He will never abandon you.
But more tangibly, there are faith-filled people in your community, in your state, and throughout the country who carry the same cross. They, too, know the pain of wanting a child. Connecting with them, befriending them, and sharing your thoughts and feelings help the healing process. There are thousands of people who have come together to form Catholic communities to help one another. You can find them virtually anywhere—and virtually!
Image courtesy of CIW Team, CC BY-SA 4.0
If you have been unable to conceive a baby or carry a baby to term, reach out to others for support. The benefits are many! By joining a group of people who share the same experiences, you gain strength, increase your faith, and create friendships. Knowing that you’re not alone also helps you psychologically. You learn ways to cope with this cross. And you learn ways to heal. Further, in talking with others, you can educate yourself about ethical fertility treatments, like NaProTechnology. And you can learn about adoption options.
Below are some awesome infertility support groups—both online and in person—that we found that can help you during this difficult time. Read through the information to find the one that’s right for you. All are full of wonderfully caring people who want you to know that you aren’t alone and who are willing to walk this path with you.
Infertility Support Groups
1. The Fruitful Hollow
The Fruitful Hollow was started by Lauren Allen, who suffers from PCOS and LUF and has adopted two children with her husband, Sean. The Fruitful Hollow was started in 2021 after Lauren Allen heard the Lord say, “your cross is meant to be carried.” This community was created to provide people suffering from infertility with Catholic resources and support. They post weekly on their blog and provide monthly resources, and they also host a mentorship ministry. Their resources help guide those struggling with infertility in processing their grief, communicating and connecting with others, preparing for surgery, managing throughout the holidays, dealing with pregnancy or birth announcements from friends, and much more.
2. Catholic Women’s Infertility Support Facebook page
This is a private Facebook group for Catholic women who are seeking support as they deal with infertility. According to the page, “This board should be a ‘safe haven’ for those dealing with infertility that don’t want to be bombarded with the typical suggestions of the outside world [i.e., IVF].” So you can be assured that friends you meet here share your beliefs and will not pressure you to use unethical means to conceive a child. With almost 800 members, this group is sure to offer encouragement and support and maybe even help brighten your days.
3. Sarah’s Hope and Abraham’s Promise
This was created as part of the Rabboni (meaning teacher) Institute to offer healing and support services for women struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. The Rabboni Institute bases its teachings and work on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Its aim is the “restoration of God’s original plan for Man and his intimate relationship with his Creator, fellow man and the environment.” Though it’s based out of Austin, Texas, those seeking community outside this area can also find it online. Its website says the group offers retreats, support groups, prayer services, and even Bible study curricula. In addition, anyone can read its blog for comfort and support. And its Facebook page offers an online community of friends, group Rosaries, prayers, education about moral fertility treatments, and more!
4. Springs in the Desert
This Catholic ministry was started by two women who met while attending the John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. After sharing their stories of infertility, they decided to begin a ministry to help others going through the same struggles. They lead retreats throughout the country and even encourage members to begin a ministry in their own parish, if there isn’t already one. During Lent, Springs in the Desert offers online prayer meetings where members can share with others.
5. Elizabeth Ministry
You can find chapters of Elizabeth Ministry throughout the country. In part, its mission is to serve as a resource for anyone mourning infertility, the loss of a child, miscarriage, or stillbirth. The organization helps couples learn about the adoption process and supports those with infertility problems. Its online support also helps you find resources in your area.
Final Thoughts
In addition, many parishes offer support groups. Check with yours or any parishes near you to find if any exist. If not, start one yourself. Many of the resources above will also teach you how to start a group. All you need is permission from the parish, a room, and the strength to put yourself out there.
Infertility is a painful cross to bear, but you do not have to bear it alone. There are people who want to help. There are people who want to support you. With God’s mercy and strength, and with faith-filled friends, you will find your hope increased, your joy in life invigorated, and your cross a little bit lighter.
Susan Ciancio has a BA in psychology and a BA in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, with an MA in liberal studies from Indiana University. Since 2003, she has worked as a professional editor and writer, editing both fiction and nonfiction books, magazine articles, blogs, educational lessons, professional materials, and website content. Fourteen of those years have been in the pro-life sector. Currently Susan writes weekly for HLI, edits for American Life League, and is the editor of its Celebrate Life Magazine. She also serves as executive editor for the Culture of Life Studies Program, an educational nonprofit program for k-12 students.