Letter: Coping with infertility

Ms Marjory E. Tait
Monday 17 May 1993 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: As one for whom children did not happen, I was appalled by Tricia Lewis's article ('My heartache over a baby that never comes', 12 May).

There has been a plethora of such articles over recent years, all promoting the idea that any response to infertility short of neurosis is somehow abnormal or defective. In fact, responses cover a whole range from mild relief, through various degrees of acceptance and disappointment to bitter unhappiness.

Many couples who had expected to have children are amply compensated by the alternative joys and heightened intimacy of a childless marriage with its opportunities for close relationships in the wider family and beyond. Others bear what is for them a great sorrow with dignity and fortitude and without either abusing their partners or compromising their friendships.

In spite of modern techniques, some couples will never become parents. A more balanced coverage of the topic might help such people to come to terms positively with their situation.

Yours faithfully,

MARJORY E. TAIT

Kirriemuir, Tayside

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in