The IAAC- Infertility Awareness Association of Canada

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada – Many men and women around the world suffer from infertility. The reasons can vary but the fear and pain of not having a child is very real. Both those who suffer from infertility and those who do not should be aware of Infertility Awareness Associations in their respective country. The IAAC in Canada is a major player in aiding those with infertility and giving them as many resources as possible to make their person decisions. From creating public awareness to connecting families to support groups, the IAAC does it all and wants to do more.

Origins

IAAC grew out of an Ottawa voluntary group called the Infertility Self Support Group (ISSG), which began in 1983. Today, IAAC is a national organization, providing educational material, support and assistance to individuals and couples who are experiencing the anguish of infertility, the reproductive health disease that affects over half a million Canadian men and women.

IAAC exists today to meet needs that may go unaddressed in the course of medical treatment, to reach out to those who may not be aware of the treatment options available, and to raise public awareness of infertility and the difficulty for some to access treatment. At IAAC, we reach out to provide help on many levels. Front line assistance is a key part of IAAC’s mission, and we work through two main avenues: our help line, for basic information or for a listening ear and our national network of support groups. Another important outreach initiative, Canadian Infertility Awareness Week, was instated in 2007 to raise awareness and hope in the community.

Outreach

IAAC’s education and outreach include the publication of Creating Families, our website (www.iaac.ca) and other publications such as pamphlets and information booklets. Finally, IAAC’s lobbying and patient advocacy revolves around research and presentation with the aim of changing public policies, here in Canada and abroad, to remedy the current situation regarding treatment access.

The IAAC will also help you find support groups in your area and give you all information they have at their disposal. They also have information to find adoption agencies, fertility clinics, legal support, IVF clinics, embryo donation and alternative medicine clinics to name a few. They’re LGBT friendly, support both males and females and keep the government aware of fertility issues.

What both thebabyspot.ca and the IAAC agree on is that you are not alone, you should not be ashamed and both the IAAC and The Baby Spot will continue to provide regular information on fertility.

**Special thank you to the IAAC for allowing us to use some information from their website.