ABSTRACT
Reproduction is considered the most basic of human needs, propelled by powerful biological and psychological drives. When the ability to reproduce is thwarted, a crisis ensues – the life crisis of infertility. The psychological crisis of infertility has been well documented in the literature. It is considered an emotionally diffi cult experience that impacts on all aspects of a couple’s or an individual’s life: relationships with others, life goals, social roles, self-image, self-confi dence, and sexuality, to name a few (1). The losses associated with infertility are multifaceted, including the loss of hopes, dreams, future plans, marital satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control, belief in the fairness of life, health, and well-being, and, most important, the “dream child” (2). Further, these losses evoke feelings of grief – shock, disbelief, sadness, anger, guilt, blame, and depression – which occur in a repetitive and predictable process as patients move through medical diagnosis and treatment. It is through the experience and expression of emotions involved in the grieving process that the infertile couple moves toward an acceptance of their infertile state, engages in the exploration of alternative plans, and begins to move forward with their lives (3).
