The journey of family building for military personnel and their loved ones is often fraught with unique and complex challenges, frequently misunderstood, under-discussed, and inadequately supported within the broader military community. Recognizing this critical gap, the Building Military Families Network initiated the 2024 Military Family Building Survey. This extensive survey was specifically designed to gather a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by military families as they navigate the deeply personal and often arduous process of starting, growing, or completing their families. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people globally are affected by infertility. Yet, data collected from Blue Star Families (67%) and Service Women’s Action Network (37% of female service members) in years past suggest those rates are far greater within the military population. The data collected through this vital endeavor is intended to serve as a powerful instrument, informing strategic initiatives, refining existing programs, and strengthening advocacy efforts at all levels to better support these families through annual data collection.
