Free On-Demand Seminar: Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

The decision to start a family does not always unfold as planned. As more individuals and couples face infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is stepping up efforts to provide information to help people consider their future options.

In a newly launched free online seminar, experts explain the basics of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, the process of diagnosis and treatment, and financial assistance with related medical expenses. The program also covers how to balance treatment with work and introduces support programs offered by TMG.

The seminar was developed against the backdrop of a growing number of couples undergoing fertility treatment. In Japan, approximately one in 4.4 couples has undergone infertility testing or treatment, making infertility an issue that can affect many people. Recurrent pregnancy loss, involving repeated miscarriages or stillbirths, can also place a considerable emotional burden on women. Understanding and support are therefore needed not only from healthcare professionals but also from those around them.

Today, as many women are in the workforce, understanding in the workplace is essential for balancing fertility treatment with work. Issues may arise, such as colleagues finding it burdensome to cover for an employee who is away for clinic visits. However, the seminar explains that a supportive workplace can bring long-term benefits, including fewer treatment-related resignations and better employee retention—outcomes that benefit both organizations and society.

The program also features a talk session with three peer counselors who have personal experience of infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. They discuss their own experiences and concerns commonly raised by people undergoing treatment.

The seminar is free to view until March 31, 2027, and is open to anyone interested in learning more about infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.