If you watch a lot of movies and TV like I do, you’ve probably realized how little infertility is represented. It’s basically ignored by most mainstream movies and television programs. And, if it is presented, it’s usually glossed over, or portrayed in a stereotypical, comical, or satirical way. Let’s analyze a few movies shall we?
Juno was a movie that was quite funny and quirky. It gave a glimpse of what infertility was like through Jennifer Garner’s character. My heart ached when she looked at Ellen Page longingly and wanted to touch her pregnant belly to feel the baby move (something she knew she’d never be able to experience). However, infertility was not the main theme of the movie. Likewise, in Facing the Giants, infertility was presented but the plot was based around the football team. And do we even have to talk about Baby Mama? Although a painful reality that Tina Fey’s character faced, the entire surrogacy was a comical fluke. And, stereotypically at the end, Tina Fey gets pregnant anyway on her own.
In T.V., some shows are airing infertility story-lines like Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, and Private Practice (surprisingly all ABC shows). But even on these shows, there’s a lot of unnecessary drama and still some stereotypes that need to change or the general public will continue to believe in these myths. (Check out the post I wrote here about the show Brothers and Sisters last year.)
Well, it got me thinking about how the 7.3 million people in this country (who are suffering to have a baby every day) deserve a story presented in the media they can relate to, a story that reveals the truths and triumphs of infertility with real, raw emotion. So, that is exactly why I took the opportunity to pitch my memoir to Hollywood executives last month in Las Vegas. (*Read more about the day and what I said in my pitch here.)
Upon practicing my pitch to other hopeful authors, I got the positive feedback that it sounds like a great idea and would be well suited for a television movie on Lifetime, The Hallmark Channel or Oprah’s Own Network. Most executives agreed. After looking at the score sheets from the day, I found that most also checked off that my pitch was effective and marketable. But sadly, they all checked that the book/idea wasn’t right for their company at this time.
The trip wasn’t a total loss. It was an amazing experience to be a part of a dream that was shared with 150 other authors. And since I believe my story is bigger than me, and can really help others, I was grateful for the opportunity to share that. I am adding a picture here of the best score sheet I received. This executive actually thought it could be a feature film and could work with the right people involved! So, if you or someone you know are “the right people” and you’re interested in my memoir, please contact me!
There are some positive things happening on TV that have impressed me when it comes to infertility. The Pampers commercial “For Every Little Miracle” (that I blogged about here) gets a two thumbs up from me. There definitely needs to be more ads out there like this one. Also reality shows like Giuliana and Bill have let us in to some private moments this couple shared through their struggle and I think that’s certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to infertility in the media. By the way, in case you haven’t heard, they are now pregnant (through a gestational carrier). (Check out their story on the Today show!) Congratulations to them!
In the end, I’m looking forward to the day when infertility becomes as mainstream in the media as other diseases like breast cancer and heart disease. With proper coverage and a deep look at real stories, a support system can form, an understanding can be reached, and a stigma can be minimized. Infertility must stop being ignored!



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