A survey by Jersey fertility charity Tiny Seeds has highlighted the emotional impact of fertility struggles, with 64% of respondents reporting that their experiences had severely affected their lives.
The charity’s 2026 survey of fertility and reproductive experiences found that around 70% of respondents reported grief or loss, 67% experienced low mood or depression, and 66% reported anxiety.
More than half (53%) experienced social isolation or withdrawal, while 66% reported feelings of failure or inadequacy. Seven per cent disclosed experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of their fertility struggles.
The findings reflect the experiences of those who responded to the survey and are not necessarily representative of everyone experiencing fertility difficulties in Jersey.
The results have been highlighted ahead of National Fertility Awareness Week (2–6 November), as Tiny Seeds marks five years of supporting Islanders affected by fertility challenges. During the awareness week, Collins on King Street will display information about Tiny Seeds in its Broad Street window to raise awareness of fertility struggles and the support available to Islanders.
According to figures provided by the charity, 7.4% of babies born in Jersey in 2025 were conceived through IVF, equivalent to approximately one in 13 births.
Sharing her personal experience, Ioana Teslaru said:
“It took so long and it took so much out of us, it was a decade of grief. We became isolated, we couldn’t find it within us to socialise with our friends. And also, I have to say it took a toll on our marriage, we went through ups and downs.”
Since its establishment, Tiny Seeds has developed a range of support services, including one-to-one counselling, group crafting sessions and question-and-answer events with healthcare professionals.
The charity has also awarded more than 160 grants of £400 towards off-island IVF travel and accommodation costs since 2023, supporting people who do not qualify for government-funded IVF treatment.
Dr Jessica Langtree Marsh of Fertility Health Hub Jersey said: “As clinicians working in fertility care, we see first-hand the emotional, physical, and financial impact fertility struggles can have on individuals and couples. The support provided by Tiny Seeds is invaluable during what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Despite being a relatively small organisation, they provide unwavering compassion, practical support, and a sense of community for those who can otherwise feel very isolated. They also play a valuable role in educating the wider community and organisations about fertility struggles and reproductive health. The work they do complements clinical care enormously. While medical treatment is essential, the emotional support, advocacy, education, and reassurance offered by the charity can make a profound difference to patients’ wellbeing and resilience throughout their fertility journey.”
Chloé Fosse (pictured), Founder of Tiny Seeds, said: “As we celebrate five years of Tiny Seeds, our mission remains the same: to make sure nobody in Jersey has to navigate fertility struggles alone. Fertility Awareness Week is an important opportunity to break down the stigma, encourage more open conversations and remind people that behind every statistic is someone experiencing an incredibly difficult journey.”
