New US documentary will focus on women’s infertility stories

A new documentary will air on Sunday, December 19 on MSNBC featuring stories of women who have experienced infertility

Stories We Tell: The Infertility Secret was the brainchild of US journalist Sheinelle Jones, who is no stranger to fertility issues. The film features five women who tell their story of becoming parents through a fertility struggle.

Each of them discusses their experience of surrogacy, egg freezing, IVF, endometriosis, and fibroids.

Sheinelle said: “For years, I have watched some of my closest friends struggle with infertility. I’m 43 years old now, at the height of my career, married with three elementary-aged children. Decades ago, I can vividly recall late-night conversations with my friends in college, and even high school, about how we wanted our lives to unfold. Little did we know at least half of us would begin to have fertility problems after graduating and starting our careers. Personally, the problem appeared to be much worse among my African American friends. It has been quietly heartbreaking in so many ways.

“As I started to dig into the topic, I learned that so many fertility issues that my friends are dealing with today may not have been prevented entirely, but with the appropriate intervention could have eliminated so many physical and emotional struggles. Because we don’t talk about it, I began to realise that this crisis is not just within my own circle of friends, but women all over the world are silently struggling. I want to do my part to open the door to this heartbreaking crisis.

“One of my good friends is a fertility specialist, and she is one of a small number of African American women in this field. With her guidance, I was completely blown away with what women must endure physically and emotionally – all while moving forward in their daily lives as if everything is “okay.” From illnesses that cause women pain, countless surgeries, and drug treatments, most people have no idea what many women are dealing with. I wanted to create a documentary where people can witness some of their journeys firsthand hand, learn the facts, all while connecting with these women emotionally.

“My intention is to spark an honest conversation amongst friends and family members, and young women and their healthcare providers. It’s time to talk about it.”

The documentary will air at 10 pm.