Infertility and Medically Related Alternatives: a Bibliography

The following bibliography, while extensive, is not meant to be exhaustive. It is instead a subjective list of recommended organizations and materials aimed primarily at consumers begun by infertility and adoption educator Pat Johnston for her book Taking Charge of Infertility (Perspectives Press, Winter, 1994) and edited and updated continuously (most recently in March, 2000) for her decisionmaking workshops. Pricing and ordering information has been supplied only for materials which are self-published, organizationally-published or otherwise difficult to find through traditional booksellers.

FYI,a good source for ordering difficult-to-find info on infertility and adoption is Tapestry Books (P.O. Box 359, Ringoes, NJ 08551; phone 800-765-2367)

National and Regional Organizations Offering Infertility Support and Information

RESOLVE, Inc.(1310 Broadway, Somerville MA 02144, telephone 617-623-0744) is a U.S. national nonprofit network of 50+ chapters offering information, referral, support and advocacy services to infertile people. Dues of $35 annually (includes both national and local chapter membership). Their newsletters, fact sheets and symposia can be indispensable tools. Currently RESOLVE is putting a great deal of effort on a state by state basis into achieving mandated insurance coverage for infertility treatment. They have been sucessful already in Massachusetts, Maryland, California, and several other states.

INCIID (The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination) (P.O. Box 6836, Arlington VA 22206, phone 520-544-9548, e-mail HWWK11E@Prodig.com or INCIIDinfo@AOL.com, visit the website: www.inciid.org) A new nonprofit organization dedicated to the exchange of information between fertility experts and those who suffer from infertility. The organization’s mission includes expanding the reach of on-line networks to a wider range of infertile consumers, while simultaneously improving the quality and immediacy of available information. INCIID publishes a quarterly newsletter and also conducts an ongoing media campaign to education the general public and garner greater understanding about the emotional, financial, and information struggle facing the infertile. Membership ranges from $25 for consumers to $100 for professionals.)

American Infertility Association (66 Fifth Avenue, Suite 278, New York, NY 10103, phone 718) 621-5083 visit the website: www.americaninfertility.org) a national organization dedicated to assisting women and men facing decisions related to family building and reproductive health–from prevention and treatment to social and psychological concerns. The mission of the AIA is to serve as a lifetime resource for men and women needing reproductive information and support and to forward the causes of adoption and reproductive health through advocacy, education, awareness building and research funding.

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (406- One Nicholas St, Ottawa,ON K1N7B7, CANADA, telephone 613-244-7222, e-mail: iaac@fox.nstn.ca) is a Canadian charitable organization offering assistance, support, and education to those with infertility concerns by issuance of its bilingual publication Infertility Awareness five times a year; establishment of chapters to provide grass roots services; a resource centre; information packages; and a network of related services. Services are bilingual (English and French.) Membership is $30 Canadian annually. A complimentary information kit will be sent to interested Canadians upon request.

Ferre Institute (258 Genesee St, Ste 302, Utica, NY 13502, 315-724-4348) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of quality services in infertility, to the education of professionals the the public about infertility and its treatment and to encouragement for research in the spychosocial as well as medical aspecis of infertility and reproductive health. Although direct services are offered only in a limited geographic region, their excellent newsletter FerreFax, directed primarily at professionals, is available to others.

Stepping Stones Ministry (c/o Bethany Christian Services in Michigan) publishes a monthly newsletter with a Christian focus on the experience of infertility.

Endometriosis Association (8585 N. 76th Place, Milwuakee WI 53223) is a non-profit with chapters throughout the U.S. The organization publishes a newsletter and offers referrals and support for those dealing with the multiple issues related to endometriosis, only one of which is infertility.

The Organization of Parents through Surrogacy (OPTS) (7054 Quito Ct., Camarillo, CA 93012, 805-482-1566) is a national non-profit, volunteer organization with three regional chapters whose purpose is mutual support, networking, and the dissemination of information regarding surrogate parenting, egg donation, sperm donation as well as assisted reproductive technology including IVF and GIFT. OPTS publishes a quarterly newsletter, holds annual meetings, has a telephone support network, and actively lobbies for legislation concerning surrogacy. Membership is $40 annually.

The Alliance for Donor Insemination Families (645 E Huntington Dr., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126) offers support and information for singles and couples considering having a child through donor insemination and parenting support for families already built in this way.

Independent Magazines and Newsletters

Infertility Helper is a quarterly Canadian newsletter offering practical assistance and support (189 Springdale Blvd., Toronto, Ont. M4C 1Z6 CANADA).

Books: Medical Information and Emotional Support

Overcoming Endometriosis by Mary Lou Ballweg (New York: Condon & Weed, 1987.) A discussion of the diagnosis, management and treatment of this complex medical condition by the founder of the Endometriosis Associationh.

Healing the Infertile Family: Strengthening Your Relationship in the Search for Parenthood by Gay Becker, Ph.D. (New York: Bantam Books, 1990) Based on a series of interviews with infertile couples, Dr. Becker presents suggestions for coping and for moving on.

Choosing Assisted Reproduction: Social, Emotional and Ethical Considerations by Susan Cooper and Ellen Glazer (Indianapolis: Perspectives Press, 1998) A thorough guide to the complex practical, ethical and emotional issues surrounding ARTS and quasi adoption options.

Without Child: Experiencing and Resolving Infertility by Ellen Glazer and Susan Cooper (Boston: Lexington Books, 1988). A collection of carefully linked personal experiences from infertile couples who have pursued the full spectrum of options and experienced a variety of outcomes.

and Hannah Wept: Infertility, Adoption, and the Jewish Couple by Michael Gold (Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, 1988. An infertile rabbi looks at infertility from a religious perspective.

The Infertility Book: A Comprehensive Medical and Emotional Guide by Carla Harkness (second edition, Berkeley: Celestial Arts, 1992) This carefully crafted blend of emotional and medical information is liberally sprinkled with anecdotal information.

Taking Charge of Infertility by Patricia Irwin Johnston (Perspectives Press, 1994) A Practical guide to communicating effectively and making good decisions about treatment for and options to infertility.

Infertility: A Guide for the Childless Couple by Barbara Eck Menning (second edition, New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1988) The classic in the field. How could it not be a part of a bibliography on infertility!

How to Be a Successful Fertility Patient: Your Guide to Getting the Best Possible Medical Help to Have a Baby by Peggy Robin (New York: William Morrow & Co, 1993) A comprehensive consumer guide to the medical side of infertility, including finding practitioners, getting care, and going through testing and treatment.

Surviving Infertility: A Compassionate Guide through the Emotional Crisis of Infertility by Linda P. Salzer (New York: HarperCollins, rev. 1991) A well regarded handbook dealing with the psychological and social aspects of infertility.

Wanting Another Child: Coping with Secondary Infertility by Harriet Fishman Simons (New York: Lexington Books, 1995). Support and answers for unique problems and concerns of those who find themselves unable to conceive or carry to live birth after having done so before.

Getting around the Boulder in the Road: Using Imagery to Cope with Fertility Problems by Aline Zoldbrod, Ph.D. (Lexington, MA: Center for Reproductive Problems, 1990). A booklet which offers professionals and consumers practical tools for using imagery to deal with the stresses of infertility.

Men, Women, and Infertility: Intervention and Treatment Strategies by Aline P. Zoldbrod, Ph.D. (New York: Lexington Books, 1993). A carefully researched and referenced discussion of various therapeutic strategies helpful to therapists and medical professionals working with infertile couples, well-read consumers will also find this book beneficial. Order from Dr. Zoldbrod at 12 Rumford Rd, Lexington MA 02173 for $6.50.

Call RESOLVE for a referral to today’s most current consumer oriented discussion of medical information:

Books: Enhancing Communication between Partners and with Others

How Can I Help? A Handbook of Practical Suggestions for Family and Friends of Couples Going through Infertility by Diane Clapp and Merle Bombardieri (Lexington, MA: Fertility Counseling Associates, 1991) Order from Wellspring Counseling Center, 33 Bedford St #18, Lexington MA 12173 at $7.25 postpaid)

Understanding Infertility: Insights for Family and Friends by Patricia Irwin Johnston (Indianapolis: Perspectives Press, rev. 1996)

You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation by Deborah Tannen, Ph.D. (New York: Balantine Books, 1990). Clearly points out the differences in communication styles and interpretations between men and women, offering manageable techniques for improving communication between opposite sexed partners.

Men are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationship by John Gray (New York: HarperCollins, May, 1992).

Books: Childfree Living

Sweet Grapes: How to Stop Being Infertile and Start Living Again by Michael and Jean Carter (Indianapolis: Perspectives Press, revised, 1997). Don’t sell this book short! While it is the only book which provides information and advocacy for the option of childfree living (chosen by its authors), its excellent discussion of how to make good decisions makes it a good choice for all infertile couples and professionals working with them.

Never to Be a Mother by Linda Hunt Anton (San Francisco, HarperSanFrancisco, 1992)

Why Don’t You Have Kids? Living a Full Life without Parenthood by Leslie Lafayette (New York: Kensington Publishin Corp., 1995) The founder of The Childfree Network offers “politically incorrect” information for those exploring building a life which does not include parenthood.

Women without Children by Susan Lang (New York, Pharos Books, 1991)

appropriate fact sheets from RESOLVE (See address/phone above. Order by phone with your credit card)

Books: Third Party Assisted Reproduction (Donor Insemination, Surrogacy, Adoptive Embryo Transfer)

Lethal Secrets: The Shocking Consequences and Unsolved Problems of Artificial Insemination by Annette Baran and Reuben Pannor (New York: Warner Books, 1989). These long-time adoption reformers (The Adoption Triangle) now take a critical look at traditional practices in donor insemination.

Choosing Assisted Reproduction by Susan Cooper and Ellen Glazer (Indianapolis:Perspectives Press, 1998) A thorough guide to the complex practical, ethical and emotional issues surrounding ARTS and quasi adoption options.

Having Your Baby by Donor Insemination by Elizabeth Noble (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1988) An exhaustive handbook covering every possible issue regarding D.I., this book takes a decidedly pro-openness view toward the issue of whether D.I. should remain anonymous.

Between Strangers: Surrogate Mothers, Expectant Fathers & Brave New Babies by Lori B. Andrews, J.D. (New York: Harper & Row, 1989). An attorney specializing in reproductive law and ethics looks at new technology and offers consumers issues to consider in their decision making.

New Conceptions: A Consumer’s Guide to the Newest Infertility Treatments by Lori B. Andrews, J.D. (New York: St Martin’s Press, 1984). An attorney specializing in reproductive law and ethics looks at new technology and offers consumers issues to consider in their decision making.

Pursuing Parenthood: Ethical Issues in Assisted Reproductive Technology by Paul Lauritzen (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993) A carefully reasoned but complex and academic in tone exploration of the ethics of assisted reproductive technology and other family building options and of the professionals who offer them to the infertile written by one who has himself dealt with infertility.

Surrogate Parenting. by Amy Zuckerman Overvold. (New York: Pharos Books, 1988.) An in depth look at the many issues which arise in choosing to use a surrogate to achieve parenthood.

Alternatives to Infertility: Is Surrogacy the Answer? by Lita Linzer Schwartz (New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1991.) Discussion of the pros and cons of this option and suggestions for contract terms.

Understanding Artifical Insemination: A Guide For Patients by William Schlaff MD and Carol Frost Vercollone LICSW (Boston. RESOLVE, 1989). A helpful booklet introducing the most important issues.

Helping the Stork by Carol Frost Vercollone and Heidi Moss

appropriate RESOLVE fact sheets (See address/phone above. Order by phone with your credit card)

Books: Coping with Loss

How to Survive the Loss of a Love by Melba Colgrove Ph.D., Harold Bloomfield, M.D., and Peter McWilliams. (Los Angeles, Prelude Press and Bantam, rev. 1991) A simple handbook for getting through loss–of a person or of a dream.

Living through Personal Crisis by Ann Kaiser Stearns (New York: Ballantine Books, 1984.) A practical guide to dealing with grief.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner (New York: Shocken Books, 1981.) A reassuring approach to understanding loss and suffering.

Books: General Decision Making

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1989)

The Confident Decision Maker: How to Make the Right Business and Personal Decisions Every Time by Roger Dawson (New York: William Morrow & Co, 1993).

Yes or No: The Guide to Better Decisions by Spencer Johnston MD (New York: HarperCollins, 1992).

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Overcoming Regrets, Mistakes, and Missed Opportunities by Dr. Arthur Freeman and Rose DeWolf (New York: HarperCollins, 1989.) cognitive therapy

Overcoming Indecisiveness by Theodore Isaac Rubin, M.D. (New York: Harper & Row, 1985).

Going to Plan B: How You Can Cope, Regroup and Start Your Life on a New Path by Nancy k Schlossberg and Susan Porter Robinson (New York: Fireside, 1996.)

Mixed Media: Parenting after Infertility

Not in Front of the Children… How to Talk to Your Child About Tough Family Matters by Lawrence Balter, Ph.D. and Peggy Jo Donahue (New York: Viking, 1993) A child psychologist and well known advice columnist talks to parents about how young children (from toddlers through early school-aged) learn and how they perceive difficult issues and “family secrets.” Infertility and its alternatives are not addressed specifically, but general guidance provided here can be valuable.

The Long Awaited Stork: A Guide to Parenting after Infertility by Ellen Sarasohn Glazer (Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 1990). One writer’s view of how infertility issues may rise again for couples who pursue quasi or tradition adoption or give birth after struggling with infertility.

Raising Multiple Birth Children: A Parents’ Survival Guide to Surviving the First Three Years of Twins and Supertwins by William and Sheila Laut and Kristin Benit (Worcester, MA: Chandler House Press, 1999) An invaluable practical guide to dealing with the uniquenesses of a multifetal pregnancy and parenting “supertwins.”

Books: The Ethics and “Politics” of Infertility

Family Bonds: Adoption and the Politics of Parenting by Elizabeth Bartholet (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1993.) A provocative look at how and why genetic connection is promoted to (in the author’s view) the detriment of infertility patients and adoptive relationships stigmatized except when they are quasi or partial adoptions. A powerful argument for revamping the system and society’s view of adoption.

Motherhood Deferred by Anne Taylor Fleming (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1994 ) Journalist and feminist Fleming explores how as a leading-edge baby boomer she took advantage of the changes brought about by the women’s movement to build a career, deferring motherhood only to find in her middle thirties that infertility loomed. Chapters detailing her battle with infertility through its most high tech options alternate with chapters discussing the role of baby-boom and feminist politics in her situation. Provocative!

Barren in the Promised Land: Childless Americans and the Pursuit of Happiness by Elaine Tyler May (New York: Basic Books, 1995) Examines attitudes toward and about voluntary and involuntary childlessness (both infertility and compulsory sterilization) from a historial, sociological perspective from colonial times to present, exploring both the “outside view” and the inside view” from witch trials to the eugenics movement, from raising children as a group effort for the common good to parenthood as personal satisfactions, from childlessness as religious punishment of women to feminism to high tech treatments for both males and females.

Designs on Life: Exploring the New Frontiers of Human Fertility by Robert Lee Hotz (New York: Pocket Books, 1991.) Award-winning investigative science reporter Hotz explores behind the scenes in research and IVF programs throughout the world, drug manufacturers, etc. weaving in the personal stories of patients. Must reading for advocates.

Indirectly-Related Helpful Organizations

Center for Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB), Inc. (P.O. Box 1064, Palmer AK 99645) provides support by and for parents of twins, triplets or higher multiple birth children who have experienced the death of one or more or all of them during pregnancy, at birth or during childhood. A quarterly newsletter is published ($8 U.S., $12 Canadian.)

The Centering Corporation (Box 3367, Omaha, NE 68103) offers books, articles, and a newsletter focusing on issues of grief and loss. The Centering staff also does training for professionals.

Compassionate Friends (P.O. Box 1347, Oak Brook, IL 60521) is the national office of a network of local support groups for those who have experienced neonatal death or pregnancy loss.

Depression after Delivery (P.O. Box 1282, Morrisville, PA 19067) is a national self-help organization providing support, education and information for families coping with blues, anxiety, depression or psychosis associated with the arrival of a child.
National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs Inc. (P.O. Box 23188, Albuquerque, NM 87192-1188) can put you in touch with local chapters of parents of multiples with whom you can share concerns.

PenParents (P.O. Box 8738, Reno NV 89507) is a group offering support and information to those dealing with loss in pregnancy after infertility. The bimonthly newsletter is Pails of Hope ($10 annually.)

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center (1415 E. Wayzata Blvd #22, Wayzata, MN 55391) publishes a newsletters and pamphlets for professionals and families who have experienced the loss of a child.

Triplet Connection (P.O. Box 99571, Stockton, CA 95209, phone 209-474-0885) is a support groups for those expecting or parenting multiples.

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