As we approach Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23rd, ARC Fertility extends a heartfelt invitation to employers to join the conversation surrounding maternal health, dispelling myths and advocating for crucial changes to improve accessibility and affordability.
Organized by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this year’s theme, “Access in Crisis,” sheds light on the challenges individuals face in accessing maternal health care. As we navigate through challenges to help improve maternal health outcomes, ARC Fertility sheds light on the intersection of fertility, maternal health and the pivotal role employers can play by introducing more cost-effective options.
Dispelling Myths Surrounding Maternal Health
ARC Fertility aims to educate employers and their employees about the realities individuals face on their family-forming journeys, debunking misconceptions and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Some common misconceptions about pregnancy include:
Myth 1: My chances of having a baby after a miscarriage are very low.
Fact: Most individuals have excellent chances for a healthy pregnancy even following a miscarriage.
The emotional toll of miscarriage often leads to a sense of hopelessness and thoughts that a successful pregnancy will never happen. While these perceptions are understandable and emotions take time to heal, the chances of having a baby after a miscarriage are very high for most women. By debunking this myth, we encourage workplaces to offer comprehensive fertility benefits, supporting employees in their recovery and family-building journey.
Myth 2: If you get pregnant easily, you will have an easy pregnancy.
Fact: The societal notion that getting pregnant easily means that pregnancy will always be easy is not true. While having good reproductive health does make it easier to get pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy, even people who get pregnant easily still need good pregnancy care because every pregnant person is at risk of complications in their journey to deliver a healthy baby. Education and awareness about fertility and pregnancy is very important at every life stage so that individuals are empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and so that they know how to access and receive good professional health care when pregnant.
Follow us on social media for weekly MythBusters.
The Maternal Access Crisis: A United Challenge
Access to maternal health care has become an alarming crisis, especially in the United States, compounding the challenges faced in family-building journeys. Financial, staffing and policy challenges have led to the closure of labor and delivery units, particularly in rural areas. Shockingly, more than one-third of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, according to a 2022 March of Dimes report.
Moreover, individuals, including those in the postpartum period, are losing Medicaid coverage after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The 12 months following delivery are critical for preventing pregnancy-related complications, yet coverage gaps persist. Maternal mental health conditions further exacerbate systemic challenges in accessing continuous care. Black and American Indian and Alaska Native women bear the brunt, facing maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than White women.
In the aftermath of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, individuals are also struggling to access needed abortion care, putting them at risk of complications and even death.
Addressing Accessibility and Affordability: ARC Fertility’s Commitment to Inclusive Reproductive Care
At the forefront of patient-focused organizations, ARC Fertility is committed to improving access to quality fertility care, making family-forming dreams a reality for everyone. ARC has established a robust employer family-forming benefits program that breaks barriers and addresses the diverse needs of couples and individuals, regardless of their financial background, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or other status.
ARC Fertility pioneers innovative and evidence-based fertility and family-forming treatments, offering comprehensive packages, discounted medications and flexible financing options. ARC Fertility collaborates with the nation’s top fertility specialists and family-forming organizations through its extensive network, ensuring intended parents receive the best local care and services. ARC recognizes the emotional toll of the fertility journey and provides exceptional compassionate support, guided by the principle that reproductive rights are human rights.
Setting itself apart, ARC Fertility offers affordable bundled packages with pricing 15% to 40% lower than competitors. This approach is rooted in evidence-based care, prioritizing quality over unnecessary quantity, thereby delivering superior treatment at a reduced cost. ARC’s commitment to lowering financial stress includes affordable financing options, discounted multi-cycle IVF packages and support throughout the treatment process. The organization’s unparalleled flexibility, lack of fixed per-employee per-month (PEPM) fees and value-added programs contribute to its unique standing in the fertility care landscape.
The Role of Employers in Maternal Health Advocacy
Employers play a pivotal role in fostering education, awareness and access to reproductive and maternal health care. By understanding the myths and facts surrounding fertility and maternal health, employers can contribute to a workplace culture that supports employees in their unique family-building journeys.
Furthermore, ARC Fertility actively engages with employers to provide benefits that align with their commitment to employee well-being. The Family-forming Employer Benefits Program, a comprehensive and inclusive offering, supports employees through all aspects of family-forming, from early adulthood through menopause. ARC’s strategy goes beyond traditional benefits, offering optional programs that enhance overall value, including direct-to-consumer lending, competitively priced pharmacy plans and comprehensive support programs spanning pregnancy, lactation, early parenthood and return-to-work initiatives.
ARC Fertility’s differentiated approach encompasses externally validated superior outcomes, lower costs and an unwavering focus on patient well-being. With a proven track record of serving over 80,000 families, ARC continues to redefine and elevate fertility care, ensuring that the journey to parenthood is accessible, affordable and emotionally supported for everyone.
Maternal Health Awareness Day Initiatives for Employers
- Educational Campaigns: Launch workplace campaigns to educate employees about reproductive health and fertility, dispelling myths and providing evidence-based information.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Enhance EAPs to include comprehensive fertility benefits, mental health support and resources for navigating the challenges of parenthood.
- Inclusive Policies: Advocate for inclusive workplace policies that consider the diverse needs of employees, such as flexible schedules for prenatal care and family-building support.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and healthcare providers to extend support beyond the workplace, addressing broader community health challenges.
A Call to Recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day
As we commemorate Maternal Health Awareness Day 2024, let’s unite in dispelling myths, advocating for access and fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes the reproductive and maternal health of employees.
By championing education and awareness, employers contribute to a healthier, more supportive society where everyone can embark on their unique family-building journey.
For more information on supporting your employees’ reproductive health, contact ARC Fertility.
Together, let’s create a future where maternal health is a shared commitment and a fundamental human right.
