Family Forward – Empowering Family Planning, Together

About Family Forward

Our Mission: Putting Family Planning Into The Spotlight

Family Forward is committed to supporting the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals and couples in Switzerland regarding family planning, career development, and fertility.

Build awareness and break taboos

By raising awareness of family planning, fertility and infertility, promoting open social discussions, and providing comprehensive support and resources, we aim to empower individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and achieve their family and career goals.

Reduce workplace barriers

Research finds that often people hide their family planning struggles from their workplaces, mainly for fear of job loss. A recent study reported that a significant portion of employees undergoing IVF treatment actually quit due to lack of support. We aim to equip workplaces to create a supportive, family planning-friendly environment that makes it safe for employees to balance family planning goals with career aspirations.

Improve access and expand options

We aim to ensure everyone in Switzerland has equal access to a broad range of family planning options, regardless of socioeconomic status. Our commitment is also to help individuals from every demographic – singles, couples, heterosexual, LGBTQ+, young and old – realize their aspirations of parenthood by supporting them to overcome legal complexities and societal stigmas.

Why we need to act?

Family Planning Is A Complex Matter

Embarking on the path of family planning is a deeply personal and multifaceted adventure. It intertwines the threads of our hopes, biology, financial planning, and professional aspirations in a delicate balance. As life unfolds, we find that while our experience and income may grow, our natural reproductive capabilities often take a different course, all amid evolving family and career dynamics. This journey is as intricate as it is important.

1 in 5

Did you know that in Switzerland, 1 in 5 couples face fertility challenges?¹ This silent struggle touches the lives of countless individuals, resonating through families and communities. Yet, amidst this, hope shines through the progress of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). These scientific advancements are a beacon of possibility against the backdrop of societal taboos and financial constraints.

1 Burkimsher M, Zeman K: Childlessness in Switzerland and Austria, Part of the Demographic Research Monographs book series, Jan 2017

1/3

Family planning and reproductive health are as much of a topic for men as for women: Too often, women are considered “responsible” for reproduction. This does not reflect the realities of society, nor biology. In heterosexual couples struggling to conceive, 1/3 of infertility problems are caused by male factors, 1/3 are caused by female factors, and 1/3 are unexplained or due to both partners.²

2 US Department of Health & Human Services. Female Infertility

1.39

According to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the Swiss birth rate has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years, with 1.39 children per woman in 2022. This is not just an individual issue but also has a significant impact on society and the economy. A study published by Employees Switzerland in 2022 predicts a lack of 1.2 million qualified workers by 2035 in Switzerland.³

3 swissinfo.ch/eng/business/swiss-business-short-of-manpower/47676212

60%

Childbirth and childbearing significantly change the activity status of women. In Switzerland 60% of employed women reduce their employment rate to take care of the family/children⁴, which often changes the career trajectory significantly.

4 FSO – Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS), Statistics on income and living conditions (SILC) 2021, version 17.04.2023

International comparison of Fertility Treatment Policies indicates opportunities.

Click here for the Atlas

The scientific view of Prof. Katja Rost from the University of Zurich at the Family Forward launch event in Bern.

Founding members of Family Forward

Why join?

Family Forward was established by a diverse coalition of organizations united by the belief that society needs advances in family planning. Our founding members include:

“At Merck, we are committed to help people realize their dream of parenthood. Therefore, we are part of Family Forward to advance family planning in Switzerland.“

Florian Schick President Merck Switzerland

“We are on a mission to build inclusive workplaces and support “moments that matter” for all employees. Family Forward aligns with our purpose.”

Natalie Wilkins Co-CEO Thriving Talent

"Family planning is intricate, and it affects more than the individual. HBA EMEA believes that aligning support systems reduces burden and brings more clarity to career aspirations. This initiative will not only advance the potential of the individual. It will help create a positive change in the healthcare industry and beyond."

Sabine Hutchison HBA President EMEA

“The Consumer Forum supports Family Forward, emphasizing the importance of balancing family and work for social and economic stability and competitiveness.”

Babette Sigg Frank President Swiss Consumer Forum

Why join? Watch the statements of founding members at the Family Forward launch event in Bern.

For People Aiming To Become A Parent

Personal challenges are manifold

Family Forward wants to ensure that individuals and couples have access to the necessary information and support to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Hear from affected people what difficulties they faced during their family planning journey, how they resolved those and what support would have helped them.

“The Journey to become a parent with help of fertility treatments is a lonely one: it’s hard to open up and ask for help. It touches my heart that Family Forward gives voice to people like me and starts discussion and actions to support us.”

Yarek

“I am delighted to see the recent advancements in family planning in Switzerland for same-sex female couples. It would be wonderful to see this progress continue with further milestones, such as recognizing both mothers from start in the birth certificate.”

Sabina

“There is a clock on fertility that most of us are not really aware of. The option of egg freezing has given me peace of mind, allowing me to plan for starting a family when the time is right. However, it remains a highly controversial and taboo topic.”

Gabriela

Do you have a story to tell about your own family planning/fertility journey?

Contact us under info@familyforward.ch

For Employers

Employers Have A Role To Play, Don’t They?

The majority of people spend a considerable amount of their time at work.
Every person, at some point in their lives, consciously or unconsciously, willingly or unwillingly, makes the decision to start or not to start a family.

We believe that a workplace should enable family planning and not restrict, support and not omit, allow for openness for those who want to speak up while providing a safe space for those who don’t.

The data speak for themselves: According to a recent study by insurer Zurich UK, more than half of women (58%) who undergo IVF (in-vitro fertilization) treatment do not feel able to tell their employer. Nearly one in seven (14% and 13% resp.) are forced to reduce their working hours or take on lower-paid roles. While these statistics address IVF treatment, it’s important to recognize that all aspects of family planning challenges can affect employees and pose a risk of talent loss for workplaces.

Family Forward aims to equip employers to create a supportive work environment and promote change.

Get inspired by the possibilities of approaching family planning in workplaces, presented by Fertility Matters @ Work UK at the Family Forward launch event in Bern.

What can companies do to support their employees? Hear from Thriving Talent, Salesforce, HBA, Merck and Fertility Matters @ Work UK at the Family Forward launch event in Bern.

For Advocates and Interested Parties

Support The Cause. Let’s Shape Solutions, Together

Family Forward embraces diverse perspectives and evolves continuously. Each member is committed to walking the talk and making a positive impact.

Eager to join? You can reach us under info@familyforward.ch

Newsroom

Family Forward in the media

Impressions from the launch event coming soon

Media Kit

How to get in touch with Family Forward?

info@familyforward.ch

Available Resources

URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded H2R by University Zurich

Learn more

International initiatives: Fertility Matters @ Work UK

Learn more

More Joy Campaign by International Federation of Fertility Societes (IFFS)

Learn more

A step-by-step guide to become a parent

Learn more

Patient information from SGRM (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Reproduktionsmedizin/ Swiss Association of Reproductive Medicine)

Learn more

Reproductive Medicine: facts & figures from Federal Office of Public Health

Learn more