Q&A with Dr. Prateek Makwana

Director of Vasundhara Hospital & Embryologist

The movement and event hold a special place for a very important reason. Pregnantish has always been a place where pati ents, doctors and people going through similar experiences have found a safe space to come and discuss their journey and vulnerabilities on dealing with or treatment for fertility related issues. Infertility is on a rise in India, while people now seek medical opinion relatively quickly when trying to conceive there is still a huge gap in how the society sees and portrays infertility. This movement is a way to recognise the people who have made an impact in the lives of people dealing with or in treatment for fertility related issues, and helped them complete their dreams of experiencing parenthood. A lot of times there is a hesitation when it comes to speaking about fertility related issues openly. This event helps with recognising people and amplifying real voices, breaking cultural taboos, and inspiring open conversations around fertility health and support systems.”

Conversations around infertility in India, or for that matter, globally, are still shrouded in shame, unfortunately. The scenario has definitely improved in the right direction. With healthcare workers taking up social platforms to raise awareness and people forming support groups to help others find a voice to express their feelings. But even so, a lot of times there is a hesitation when it comes to speaking about fertility related issues openly. This event helps with recognising people and amplifying real voices, breaking cultural taboos, and inspiring open conversations around fertility health and support systems.”

Often couples and individuals unable to conceive or suffering from infertility are made to feel inferior if they haven’t been able to ‘complete’ their families. Even seeking the help of fertility specialists is looked down upon and the couples always try and do it discreetly. For me specifically, it’s very important to break the stigma, taboo and hush-hush around this. People not choosing to have kids, people seeking fertility treatments, and those seeking adoption, no one should be made to feel inferior about their choices or medical decisions because the society has a misplaced idea about reproduction. The change is already happening, but if me along with everyone else can help with reaching out to more people, normalise conversations and break the age old myths and misplaced beliefs, I will always try and do my bit.”