For couples struggling with infertility, a 'gift of life' carries costs, burdens, and risks -

If some of your favorite couples seem down during this child-focused holiday season, go easy: Infertility is an increasing issue for Americans, affecting an estimated 1 in 8 couples who have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.

Child-bearing challenges can make even the most successful women and men anxious, depressed, and unhappy, as former First Lady Michelle Obama testified in her new autobiography.

And while medical science has made advances in assisted reproductive technologies, the treatments can be costly, invasive, burdensome (especially for women), and controversial. They’re far from sure-fire, though they’re prone, critics say, to excessively optimistic claims and too little oversight.

The gift of life, with medical assistance, puts would be parents to formidable tests in hopes of joyous moments that some grown-ups may take for granted with their youngsters in the weeks ahead. A little seasonal perspective may help.