Fertility Europe at ESHRE 2024: A Grand Showcase
We are thrilled to announce that our presence at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2024 Congress in Amsterdam was nothing short of spectacular. Our booth was a hub of activity, drawing in attendees not only from Europe but from across the globe eager to learn about our latest advancements and initiatives in the field of reproductive health and patient rights.
On this occasion, our booth was designed to highlight two of Fertility Europe’s projects, i.e. recently released Atlas 2024 and FActs! The game. Both enjoyed great interest and sparked many interesting conversations.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): Welcoming New Members
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was a notable event, marked by productive discussions and important decisions. We are pleased to inform you that FE’s Annual Report, financial statement for 2023 and budget and plan for 2024 were granted membership approval.
A highlight of the AGM was the acceptance of new members from France, Serbia and the UK into our community. Our previous candidate member from Jersey was approved as an effective member. We are excited to welcome fresh faces who bring new perspectives and ideas to our organisation.
After the official part, we continued brainstorming on our revamped mission and vision statements. Thanks to Milana Trucl from the European Patients Forum, we also received training on the advantages and disadvantages of AI in healthcare. This session provided insights into how AI can be implemented in healthcare while addressing potential challenges and limitations.
As always, the AGM provided a platform for sharing updates, discussing plans, and reinforcing our commitment to advancing patients’ rights.
Celebrating Fertility Europe’s 15th Anniversary
This year marked the 15th anniversary of our organisation, and we celebrated this milestone in style at ESHRE 2024. The anniversary event was well-attended, and it was heartwarming to see so many faces of people who have supported us throughout the years. The celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our journey, recognise our achievements, and look forward to future endeavours. A special highlight of the event was the induction of Jose Knijnenburg as a lifetime honorary member of Fertility Europe, in recognition of her invaluable contributions and unwavering support. Jose, we will remain forever grateful for everything you have done for Fertility Europe and the infertility patients community.
Patient Session on Gamete Donation: A Resounding Success
One of the standout sessions at ESHRE 2024 was the patient session on gamete donation titled “Donation: a 360° view”. Our grand speakers, Ana Galhardo, Timo Ramu and Maciej Smiechowski walked us through the meanders of gamete donation from various perspectives, i.e. a psychologist, a donor-conceived individual and a patient and recipient. The session was fantastically well-attended, reflecting the growing interest and importance of this topic in the reproductive health community. The feedback we received was tremendously positive, with participants praising the informative and engaging nature of the discussion. This session highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue, comprehensive education, and essential reforms in regulations and approaches to gamete donation in fertility treatments.
We want to say a massive thank you to the fantastic speakers and all who attended this significant session.
Executive Committee (ExCo) Meeting: Strategic Discussions
Our Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting was another key event, where strategic discussions took place to steer our organisation forward. The meeting covered various topics, from operational improvements to long-term goals, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of reproductive health advocacy.
Anita Fincham’s Opening Remarks at the “Policy Solutions to Improve Access to Fertility Treatment and Optimise Patient Care” panel: Setting the Tone
Anita’s opening remarks for the “Policy Solutions to Improve Access to Fertility Treatment and Optimise Patient Care” panel were particularly inspiring. She eloquently set the tone for the discussions, highlighting the critical issues from the patient’s perspective and the importance of our collective efforts in improving access to fertility treatment. Her words resonated with attendees and framed the tone of the panel.
Fruitful Meetings and New Connections
We participated in numerous activities, sessions, and fruitful meetings throughout the conference with various stakeholders and partners. Our chair, Klaudija Kordic, moderated the IFFS session titled “Fertility Free Fall – Where Do You Stand.”
These interactions proved to be incredibly productive, fostering new collaborations and strengthening existing relationships. We are enthusiastic about the new contacts made and the potential for future partnerships that will help us achieve our mission.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on our experience at ESHRE 2024, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the future. The connections we made, the knowledge we gained, and the feedback we received will undoubtedly propel us forward. We look forward to continuing our work with renewed vigour and dedication, inspired by the incredible community and patients we serve. Together we thrive!
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, attended our sessions, and participated in our meetings. Your support and engagement are what drive us to excel in the field of advocacy in reproductive health.