Pregnancy at work
Fertility treatment and the workplace
A woman undergoing fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is treated as being pregnant after fertilised eggs have been implanted. If the implementation fails, the protected period, during which a woman must not be treated unfavourably on the grounds of her pregnancy, ends two weeks later.
It is unlawful sex discrimination for employers to treat a woman less favourably because she is undergoing fertility treatment or intends to become pregnant. A woman will be entitled to paid time off for antenatal care only after the fertilised embryo has been implanted. See having a child through IVF.
Supporting employees going through fertility treatment
For employees undertaking fertility treatment, it can be a long and difficult road both emotionally and physically. There will be obvious practicalities of medical appointments, getting used to new medications, and perhaps undergoing medical procedures. Employer understanding, support, and flexibility can often make a significant difference to someone at a difficult and potentially challenging time of their life. It's not just women who may require support, their partner may also require support and understanding in their difficult journey through fertility treatment.
Due to the personal nature of fertility treatment, employers should recognise and respect that employees have a right to privacy and may choose not to ask for support or wish for the matter to remain confidential. However, developing a compassionate culture with explicit support for employees going through fertility treatment can help overcome the taboo and encourage individuals to access the support they need.
Having a clear policy in place which tells people about the support the employer can offer, might go some way to breaking down the barriers, provided they feel their employer can be trusted to treat them fairly and they won't be penalised in some way. Raising awareness of fertility treatment amongst your workforce and equipping line managers on what to say and how to offer support through appropriate education and training can also help employees open up and feel comfortable asking for help.
