When you think of infertility, you likely consider medical-related issues that prevent individuals or couples from having children. Infertility is a disease that affects the reproductive system and can make pregnancy challenging or even impossible without the proper medical intervention.

But what about those who want and can physically have children, yet are hindered by their social circumstances? Also known as social infertility, this complex experience is common for many individuals, especially those who don’t have a partner or couples in the LGBTQ+ community.

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According to Janene Oleaga , a fertility attorney and reproductive rights advocate specializing in surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, and adoption, “Social infertility is most easily defined as an individual or couple that requires the assistance of another party to have a child for reasons aside from a medical diagnosis of infertility.”

“For example, a same-sex male couple may require an egg donor and a…