Netflix’s *Joy* presents an emotional depiction of an innovative true narrative, detailing the journey of the scientists who pioneered the first successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby. Taking place during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the film emphasizes the groundbreaking research that has since changed millions of lives, with over 12 million infants born via IVF and other assisted reproductive methods. Directed by Ben Taylor, *Joy* is not only anchored in historical facts but also draws inspiration from the personal journeys of co-writers Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason, who confronted their own fertility challenges.
The storyline focuses on embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), and scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton) as they face intense resistance from religious institutions, governmental bodies, and the media. Their trailblazing efforts ultimately resulted in the founding of the Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic in Cambridge, but not without considerable personal and professional sacrifices.
### *Joy* Tackles Fertility Stigma and Societal Obstacles
*Joy* explores the societal stigma that obstructed the advancement of IVF research and profoundly influenced those involved. The women who took part in the pioneering experiments, known as the Ovum Club, experienced relentless criticism and scrutiny. Jean Purdy, serving as the lead nurse and embryologist, confronted exclusion from her religious mother and church community due to her career. Her partnership with Steptoe, a physician who performed legal abortions, further stirred controversy. The film thoughtfully tackles the conflict between faith and reproductive rights, featuring a significant moment with operating theatre supervisor Muriel “Matron” Harris (Tanya Moodie) stressing the necessity of allowing women the choice to conceive through science or to terminate a pregnancy.
The harassment endured by Jean and Robert is powerfully portrayed, with Robert being publicly mocked, branded “Dr. Frankenstein,” and targeted by vandals. The women receiving IVF treatment also faced intrusive media scrutiny, with reporters attempting to bribe them for personal details to shame them for their decisions. These depictions highlight the pervasive fertility stigma that continues to affect women today.
### An Intimate Perspective on Infertility
Jean’s personal battles with endometriosis and infertility serve as a key narrative thread in *Joy*. The film illuminates the shame and isolation many women experience when they struggle to conceive, feelings that were even more intense in the 1960s and 1970s. Jean’s musings on the societal expectation that a woman’s value is linked to motherhood resonate profoundly, revealing how patriarchal beliefs perpetuate fertility stigma. Despite progress in medical research, endometriosis remains largely underfunded and under-studied, forcing many women to face these obstacles with minimal support.
### The Historical Underpinnings of Fertility Stigma
Fertility stigma has historical roots that run deep. In medieval Japan, noblewomen were scorned for failing to bear heirs, while 19th-century France accused childless women of promiscuity or venereal disease. As late as the mid-20th century, women who became pregnant through artificial insemination were labeled adulterers. Such historical mindsets that prioritize traditional conception methods and equate motherhood with femininity continue to influence societal views on fertility and pregnancy.
### Legal and Cultural Influences on Reproductive Choices
Though societal viewpoints on fertility and pregnancy have progressed since the time depicted in *Joy*, legal and cultural obstacles remain. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 choice to reverse Roe v. Wade, resulting in abortion restrictions across numerous states, starkly highlights the persistent struggle for reproductive rights. Conversely, England and Wales have recently implemented buffer zone legislation around abortion clinics to safeguard women from harassment, marking a substantial step toward ensuring safe healthcare access.
Heidi Stewart, CEO of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), stresses the necessity of challenging stigma and safeguarding reproductive rights. “Remaining silent on reproductive rights is no longer an option,” she claims, emphasizing the importance of ongoing advocacy on both sides of the Atlantic.
### Fertility Stigma in Professional Environments
Fertility stigma also extends into the workplace, influencing women’s experiences there. Joeli Brearley, CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, points out that women undergoing fertility treatment frequently encounter discrimination, with one in four experiencing unfair treatment. Moreover, 77 percent of women face workplace bias after returning from maternity leave. Brearley advocates for enhanced training on unconscious bias and increased support for pregnant staff, asserting that these matters are societal rather than individual.
### A Plea to Eliminate Fertility Stigma
The challenges encountered by the innovative team in *Joy* and the women of the Ovum Club reflect the ongoing difficulties women face regarding fertility and pregnancy stigma today. Although strides have been made, considerable work lies ahead to guarantee that women can make personal reproductive choices free from judgment or discrimination. As Stewart aptly puts it, “When women can