Impact of Infertility on Women’s Workforce Participation and Associated Burden

This study will explore how infertility affects women’s participation in the workforce and the burdens they face as a result. This study will be conducted over one year at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, it will involve 150 women aged 21–50 who have experienced infertility and were employed during their fertility journey. Using a structured questionnaire, validated psychological scales (PSS-4, GAD-7, PHQ-4), and in-depth interviews, the study aims to identify how many women reduce work hours or leave their jobs due to infertility, and to assess the financial, psychological, and social challenges they encounter. It will also compare the impact between employed and unemployed women and examine factors like treatment burden, societal expectations, and workplace discrimination. The findings aim to fill a critical gap in Indian data and support recommendations for more inclusive workplace policies for women undergoing fertility treatments.