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I had the opportunity to meet and talk with several folks from a local RESOLVE organization during their annual National Infertility Awareness Week symposium. It was wonderful to actually 'see' folks with whom I'd emailed, and even more exciting to see how many people attended the symposium!
While I was there, an interesting issue arose, and I'd love to hear the input of those who feel a bit more 'resolved' as regards their infertility journey...
A family arrived with their infant-in-stroller, prepared to be representatives of one of the several adoption agencies that had a booth at the symposium. (If you've never been to a conference type event, generally much of the funding for the event comes from booths purchased by various organizations which are then allowed to provide information to conference-go'ers.)
As many of you may already know, RESOLVE has typically tried to be all-encompassing in their presentation of pathways toward family-building, including the adoption journey.
The interesting note is that the family was told they wouldn't be allowed to enter the symposium area because they had the baby with them. Understandably, there was some 'elevated' discussion on the part of the parents, and when I inquired later, I was told that this RESOLVE group has a blanket policy of "no children" at any of their activities. I was told that prior to having such a policy, there were incidences whereby folks attending were reduced to tears in the bathroom because of babies being present.
To add to the confusion, where should such gatherings draw the line? There were several women in attendance, some of whom are RESOLVE volunteers, who were noticeably pregnant. Couldn't this also cause emotional distress for participants? If children aren't allowed, should they also have a policy forbidding women who are showing in their pregnancy?
I am very interested in knowing your opinions on this 'sticky wicket' that surely comes up elsewhere, at other group meetings (RESOLVE or otherwise) or just gatherings of friends. It's most definitely a complex problem, but one that must be addressed.
© Tracy Morris
