For women’s history month, we’d like to celebrate the women of the past and the present who have been influential in the infertility community! Here are some women in the fertility industry, who have made immense progress in helping others achieve their dreams of parenthood. From scientists and doctors to patient advocates, these inspiring ladies have changed the landscape of fertility care and have made a real difference in people’s lives.

Miriam Menkin (1944)

IN 1944, Lab technician, Miriam Menkin, was given instructions to wash a sperm sample three times and give it 30 minutes to interact as part of a Harvard study. During one sleepless night, Menkin only washed the sperm once and allowed it to interact for over an hour, and days later, she found that a fertilized egg had formed as a result and IVF was born!

Her achievement would usher in a new era of reproductive technology – one in which infertile women could become pregnant, children were conceived in tubes, and scientists help create new life.

Louise Joy Brown (1978)

Brown was the world’s first baby to be conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF). Brown was born at Oldham and District General Hospital in the UK on July 25, 1978. She was delivered by cesarean section at an impressive weight of five pounds twelve ounces!

The Browns faced intense public scrutiny after their pregnancy was announced. Lesley had suffered years of infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, and in November 1977 she underwent the then-experimental IVF procedure with a mature egg being removed from one ovary, combined with sperm through a novel dish technique that would form an embryo, before being implanted into her uterus just days later. The Browns paved the way for current parents and patients who suffer from infertility. Without their bravery to withstand the ethical conversations and negative feedback of the time, fertility treatment might not be as accepted as it is today! 

Celine Dion (2001-2010)

We could put many celebrities on here such as Chrissy Teigen, Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Sarah Jessica Parker. When celebrities share their infertility journeys it can be an inspiration to current patients and people who are struggling with infertility. When celebrities speak candidly about their struggles with starting a family it makes the conversation around infertility more common and relaxed. It can encourage other women to share their experiences which in turn can provide inspiration and support to people who are currently going through their own infertility journey.

In an interview, Celine Dion said, “For the twins, I did IVF six times one after the other…You have to remain positive and try to relax as much as possible.” 

Why New Hope?

New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating, and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (347) 970-8479 or schedule your initial consultation today!