Ongoing Research
We’re committed to supporting our colleagues who are pioneering evidence-based research in reproductive health. Below are current research studies facilitated by our colleagues. We encourage you to participate, should you meet the criteria, and be a part of a growing body of research intended to inform and support the field.
Later Life Parenting Study by Julia Woodward, PH.D. Research of psychosocial and family outcomes when fertility patients have their first children at age 40, 50, and beyond.
TELL Tool Research project: (NIH Award: R34NR019278). Patricia Hershberger, PH.D., R.N. Seeking egg, sperm, and embryo donation-recipient parents who have: 1) not yet told their children, ages 1-16 years, about the conceptual origins, and 2) would like to help us learn whether a new digital tool can in fact help parents tell their children about the donor conception. Eligible parents need to live in the United States, have 1 or more donor-conceived child between 1-16 years of age, and would like to learn about how to tell their child about the conception. Feel free to contact phersh@uic.edu regarding research.
Donor Conception: A survey of how Donor Conceived Individuals really feel conducted by Linda Applegarth and Nancy Kaufman. An IRB-approved research study to learn about how donor-conceived individuals feel about their disclosure experience. Participants must be 18 or older.
Women’s Experience of Infertility and Work- Life Integration conducted by Liz O’Donnell, PHD. An IRB- approved research study to understand the influence of infertility on women’s work-life integration. Inviting diverse, cisgender women, experiencing primary infertility for 12+ months, employed in a full-time position, and have no children.
Motivations, Barriers, and Triggers for Embryo Donation. Funded by a federal (HHS/OPA) embryo donation grant and advised by Andrea Braverman. Intended Parents & Embryo Recipients: Please complete a survey via this link to qualify you for the discussion groups. Storage Clients, Patients Expecting Surplus Embryos, and Embryo Donors: Please complete a survey via this link to qualify you for the discussion groups. If you qualify, we'll send you a participation consent and link to schedule a time for your discussion. If you have any trouble with the survey or link, you may contact Holly at holly@blanksteinconsulting.com
Resources
Resolve: The National Infertility Association Learn more about infertility and the family building journey.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Find educational videos, news, and publication regarding reproductive medicine, and more.
Postpartum Support International: Educational resources regarding pregnancy and postpartum.
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Inc. Programming to support and memorialize pregnancy and infant loss.
Patient Bookshelf: A Professional Group of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. A grand list of recommendation for growing families.
The National Institute of Mental Health: National resources and research of mental health.