The silence surrounding infertility, miscarriage, and reproductive loss was challenged at the Breaking the Taboo summit, held at South African College of Applied Psychology (Sacap) Johannesburg in Sandton on June 6.

Hosted by the Thari ya Pula Foundation, in partnership with Sacap, the event brought together healthcare professionals, psychologists, advocates, and people with lived experience to discuss reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and healing.
Founder of the Thari ya Pula Foundation Wandile Radiokana said the summit was inspired by her own experience of stillbirth and the lack of support and understanding that followed. “I was the first person in my family to experience stillbirth, and what became immediately clear was how unprepared many of us were to navigate that kind of grief.”

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Radiokana explained that many individuals facing infertility and pregnancy loss suffer in silence due to stigma, shame, and misconceptions. “One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that a woman’s value is tied only to her ability to conceive or carry a child successfully. That belief causes many people to internalise feelings of failure and inadequacy.”

She added that the foundation was established following the loss of her daughter in 2022, and has since expanded its work to include mental health advocacy, reproductive health awareness, community outreach, and psychosocial support.

The summit also addressed gaps in support systems available to those affected by infertility and reproductive loss. “A lot of people assume that once the medical process is complete, healing naturally follows, but for many individuals, the emotional journey only truly begins afterwards.”

Mental health professionals at the summit highlighted the emotional impact of infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth, noting that many people experience grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma while trying to continue with daily responsibilities.

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Radiokana said she hopes the summit will become an annual platform that continues to create awareness, reduce stigma, and connect people with support. “Ultimately, success is creating a future where fewer people feel alone in these journeys, and where conversations around reproductive health and loss are no longer taboo.”

She encouraged anyone navigating infertility or reproductive loss to seek support and remember they are not alone in their experience.

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