Infertility is a deeply personal and sensitive issue, and societal pressure and criticism exacerbate feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. It is emotionally distressing to constantly face judgment and insensitive comments from friends, family, or even strangers.
The community often associates fertility with femininity and masculinity, leading to a sense of failure and diminished self-esteem for individuals struggling with infertility. This impacts their overall sense of self-worth, causing feelings of inadequacy, depression, and anxiety.
Society’s lack of understanding and awareness about infertility perpetuates stigma and misconceptions. This results in insensitive remarks, blame, or judgment directed at individuals or couples struggling with infertility.
It is challenging to deal with this stigma and educate others about the complexities and emotional toll of infertility.
Founder of the Action Chapel International Prayer Cathedral, Bishop James Saah, has reflected on the nine-year journey to conceive a child after his marriage, which included a prophecy from the late Nigerian Pentecostal preacher Benson Idahosa.
Bishop Saah discussed the difficulties of facing societal pressure and criticism related to infertility.
Despite these challenges, he maintained unwavering faith until their prayers were answered.
“For nine years of marriage, we lived childless. As a missionary in Nigeria, working with the Church of God mission, I understood the cultural emphasis on progeny. The absence of a child was daunting, especially during baby dedications, which I began to avoid due to the shame.
“However, in 1989, as we were preparing to leave Nigeria, our situation changed. God blessed us with a son, now 35 years old.”
Bishop James Saah
He described how his son was named ‘Emmanuel Benson’ as fulfilling Idahosa’s prophecy.
“Bishop Idahosa had foretold that my service to him would result in the birth of a son, who should carry his name. True to his words, my son is Emmanuel Benson. We hadn’t conducted any prenatal tests, so the child’s gender was a divine revelation.”
Bishop James Saah
Infertility-related societal pressure leads to social isolation, as individuals withdraw from social engagements and activities to avoid uncomfortable conversations or situations. They also feel excluded from social events centered around children or parenting, which further contributes to feelings of alienation.
Individuals facing societal pressure and criticism related to infertility need to seek support from understanding friends, family, or professional counselors. Support groups and counseling services provide a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and find empathy from others who have gone through similar challenges.
Bishop Reflects on Upbringing
Bishop James Saah disclosed how his mother’s indulgent treatment nearly derailed his life after marriage.
As the eldest child, Bishop Saah received special treatment from his mother, particularly regarding meals, contrasting with his father’s stricter approach.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Bishop Saah acknowledged that this favoritism towards food became a habit that persisted into his married life.
“I was nearly ruined by my mother’s pampering, being the firstborn. Her excessive affection was counterproductive, despite my father’s efforts to correct it. I was favored, particularly with food. At 18, I developed a refusal to eat, which she indulgently accommodated.
“In my early marriage during the ’80s, I carried over this nasty habit, refusing to eat over trivial matters. My wife would plead, but if I resisted, she’d discard the meal.”
Bishop James Saah
Bishop Saah attributed a transformative moment in his life to divine intervention during his second year of marriage.
“After two years, hunger struck one night. The next morning, as I passed the fufu by the trash, God prompted me to change my ways and I repented,” he said.
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