A monumental event happened this week in the infertility world, specifically for the childless community. Jennifer Aniston did an interview with Allure Magazine and spoke openly about her infertility. On my Icing and Animal Crackers Instagram account I follow other fertility related accounts. Let me tell you, my feed was blown up with posts about the article. For me, there are several reasons why this story is so important. Here’s why:
- When I was younger, I remember reading magazines like Us Weekly and seeing pictures and articles about Jennifer. There were always rumors and speculation around whether or not she was pregnant. “Is that a baby bump?!” “Jen spotted drinking water instead of wine; is she pregnant?!” and so on… In the interview, Jennifer Aniston shared that during all of those years of speculation, she was going through IVF treatments. These speculations are ones that women of “baby making age” hear constantly. Whether a woman is faced with infertility or not, society comments on if she has put on weight, has stopped drinking, is feeling ill, etc. I believe for all women that these speculations are frustrating, but for those struggling with fertility they are aggravating and hurtful. I cannot imagine how it felt for Jennifer to have these comments made publicly during her journey; on a smaller scale I can empathize.
- There is a misconception that everyone’s infertility journey will somehow end with a baby. It’s a misconception that I had. It took me a long time to realize that there is no guarantee when it comes to treating infertility, especially if the cause of the infertility is unknown. A public figure/celebrity like Jennifer Aniston coming forward and sharing that her rounds of IVF did not end in her having a baby has reached an incredible amount of people. A population of people who may not know anything about infertility are now aware that it is not always a curable disease and does not always end with a miracle baby.
- Fertility treatments are expensive, and because of that, treatment is not equitable for everyone. That being said, Jennifer Aniston would have had access to the best doctors, clinics, and care. (I’m assuming that) cost wouldn’t have been a limiting factor for Jennifer. Even with the best care, even without financial limitations, she still did not have a baby. Sometimes I wonder, if I had access to a “better” clinic, maybe we would have a baby. Jennifer’s story is a reminder that fertility does not discriminate and having more money does not make it curable.
I have to say, this has been the most relevant “Celebrities are just like us!” story that has ever been published and I commend Jennifer for it. I can’t imagine being so publicly scrutinized for “putting her career first” and “not starting a family yet” when all along, she was fighting one of the most painful battles a person can face. She has helped so many people feel like they are not alone. And to top it all off, she has been able to heal and create a life for herself that she loves. From all of us who know this pain personally, we want to thank you, Jennifer Aniston. Sending you so much love.
Icing and Animal Crackers 