The Stigmatised "Barren Woman": How women and couples navigate invisible social rules on infertility

Tharani* (37) and her husband had finally opted for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) after experiencing multiple miscarriages.

- By Safrah Fazal

But there was still an issue: since her eggs were found to be of poor quality, causing the miscarriages, they would have to undergo the procedure using donor eggs. Another concern was that, as Tharani and her husband are considered to have pale skin tones, the egg donor would need to match their complexion. Why was this important? So that neither of their families would find out that the couple had turned to reproductive treatments to be "blessed with a child." If the truth came out, she feared being labelled a "barren woman".

Although not widely discussed, in the quiet corners of coming-of-age parties, wedding functions, and mother's blessing ceremonies, the "barren woman" is considered a bad omen. If she arrives first at such ceremonies, it is seen as inauspicious, and she is discouraged from offering blessings to the women being celebrated. In the familiar passages of her family homes, the "barren woman" is regarded as a curse and a disgrace, spoken of not just in words, but also through expressions.

Stigma of infertility

"Fertility is a biological phenomenon, but within it lies a social construction centred on lineage. When faced with fertility barriers, people experience a dilemma about who will carry on the family line, which in turn creates a social demand," explained Yohan Wickramasekara, Lecturer in Sociology and Theology at Aquinas College of Higher Studies. His research specifically focuses on infertility within the Sri Lankan context.

He further noted that the social harms arising from infertility are often more severe than the biological ones. "Infertility leads to couples being excluded from society, resulting in alienation. As a result, the stress levels they experience are very high," he added.