Supporting Women Experiencing Infertility and Loss: A Call to Action for Churches on Mother's Day and Beyond
Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the blessing of motherhood. For many women, however, the holiday is a painful reminder of unfulfilled dreams and grief. In churches throughout the nation, there are women sitting in the pews who have endured infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and childlessness in profound silence. As the hands and feet of Jesus, it is time for us to see and support these women.
The facts are clear: 1 in 4 women have suffered a miscarriage, 1 in 8 struggles from infertility, and women who have battled this grief and loss have a considerably higher danger of divorce than the national average. But these women are not just numbers - they are our daughters, friends, and sisters in Christ.
At Twelve 12 Ministries, we understand the pain and solitude that often come with infertility and pregnancy loss. As a result, we are urging churches to take proactive actions to aid women in their congregations who endure this burden. Here’s the problem: Most churches focus on the traditional family system of husband, wife, and child, which might lead to others dealing with infertility or loss, feeling as if they do not belong. Leaving their minds and hearts wide open for the enemy to try and define her by the status of her womb or motherhood. Now you have the opportunity to show these women that they are loved, seen, understood, and not forgotten.
Three Ways Your Church Can Make a Difference
Launch a Circle of Hope Group - You can start a support group at your church for women experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss. This 8-week curriculum comes with group materials for leaders and attendees.
Gift a Butterfly Box or Host a Butterfly Box Packing Party - Each box is given to a woman who needs encouragement and hope after an unexpected loss or infertility diagnosis. Included in the box: Declaration Journal, Handwritten Encouragement Letter, CSB New Testament Bible, Bookmark, Romans 12:12 sticker, and a Psalms 55:22 print.
Align the Care & Support Team with Twelve 12 Ministries - The care and support team is typically the first to know of a crisis or traumatic event in your congregation. Make sure to have our ministry information on hand when someone calls. That way, you can prepare to serve and build trust with your hurting members.
Your church has an incredible opportunity to offer hope and healing by recognizing the genuine difficulties that women go through with infertility and pregnancy loss. Together, we can demonstrate the grace and love of Christ.
“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” -William Wilberforce
If you are walking through a season of infertility, miscarriage, infant loss, or childlessness, you are not alone. Please reach out to Twelve 12 Ministries to get connected today. Together, we can journey through this difficult season with love, support, and Jesus.
Nicole Clark, a creative spirit with 20 years as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor, transitioned from touring the world as a back-up dancer to embracing a life in ministry. This shift was marked by a growing faith and dedication to serving others. In 2017, she founded Twelve 12 Ministries, inspired by Romans 12:12, to support women and families during challenging times of infertility and loss. She also co-hosts the podcast "Purpose Beyond Motherhood" with Holly Piorkowski. Residing in Plano, Texas with her husband Darren and daughter Delanie, Nicole enjoys family time, laughter, and watching The Chosen.