Merck Foundation's 'More Than a Mother' Movement Empowers Women and Couples with Fertility Care

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been transforming fertility care and breaking infertility stigma through the 'More Than a Mother' movement.

The movement addresses not only the shortage of trained fertility specialists but also the social, cultural, religious, and communication barriers that prevent women and couples from seeking quality fertility care.

Dr. Rasha emphasizes that lasting change requires looking beyond the problem that is immediately visible and working on the many layers surrounding it.

The movement has provided more than 800 scholarships for healthcare providers from 42 countries to build sustainable local medical expertise in fertility care.

Dr. Rasha has also personally visited communities across Africa, listening to women, couples, doctors, community leaders, and religious leaders to understand the stigma surrounding infertility and the burden placed on women.