8 June, 2002
For most New Zealanders, having a family is a fact they take for granted. For many others it’s an elusive dream.
In a book released today as part of the New Zealand Infertility Society Infertility Awareness Week, June 8-15, 2002, 14
New Zealand couples tell their stories of their quest to have children.
Co-authored by NZIS executive officer Robyn Scott, Annette Dixon and Jenny Blagdon, the book, The Elusive Dream, gives
an insight into the despair felt by people shut out of a world focused on children and family because the choice to have
a child is outside of their control.
“The development of assisted reproductive technologies has given many people more hope and opportunity, but it can also
mean long years of painful and expensive treatments,” says Robyn Scott.
“No technology can reduce the painful cycles of hope and disappointment that many people experience with their
infertility. Even those who are able to go on to have children still consider themselves to be infertile because having
children has proved to be outside of their immediate control.”
While there is much sadness in these stories, she says, many people have grown stronger through the experience.
“Even those who have remained childless have been able to regroup and find new definitions of family, and their lives
have taken on new, positive directions.”
The book has been published with the help of sponsorship from Fertility Associates and the JR McKenzie trust. Though it
will be made available free to those who request it, a donation to the NZIS will be accepted gratefully. It can be
obtained from the NZIS on 0800 333-306 or by e mailing nz.infertility@clear.net.nz.
“We hope the insights and experiences of the people featured in the book will offer help and hope to others who are just
beginning the journey of trying to have children, when it proves to be elusive.”
Ends