Q: What makes Chana unique? 

Chana is the only UK Jewish fertility charity that provides emotional, medical and financial support, within a Halachic framework. The Chana team have extensive knowledge of the medical and emotional factors affecting couples struggling with fertility, as well as the intricacies of Halacha (Jewish law). We are dedicated to helping each client access the best personal care without ever compromising Jewish law. 

Q: How much do Chana services cost? 

Chana is a non-profit organisation. We do not charge clients for the services that we provide. Voluntary donations from clients and the general community are always greatly appreciated. To ease the heavy financial burden for couples undergoing fertility challenges, Chana proudly provides grants to Jewish couples to help them cover the cost of their treatment. These services are available thanks to our generous donors throughout the Jewish community. 

Q: Who turns to Chana? 

Chana receives weekly phone calls to our helpline from callers across the world. Callers include Rabbis, doctors, concerned family members or friends, and, of course, individuals experiencing their own fertility journey. Questions cover primary and secondary infertility, high-risk pregnancies, recurrent pregnancy loss, taharat hamishpacha, genetics, intimacy and more. Anyone with any questions or concerns is encouraged to contact Chana. All communication is completely confidential. 

Q: Who is eligible for Chana’s help?  

Chana supports Jewish couples and individuals* struggling with all types of fertility challenges, during complex paths to parenthood, or who may have early concerns about their reproductive health. 

*as Halachically recognised and married, where relevant, by the Office of the Chief Rabbi. We have a wealth of knowledge and if you fall outside of our criteria, we will signpost you for support. 

Q: What is the best way to contact Chana?

Our free, confidential helpline is the gateway to all our practical and emotional support services, and we are here to hold and to guide you from your very first call. Answered by our qualified male and female therapists, you can call us in total confidence for advice and information, starting with any question that may be worrying you. 

Helpline telephone number: 020 8201 5774 or 020 8800 0018 

You can also contact us via email at support@chana.org.uk. 

For more general inquiries, to donate or to volunteer please email info@chana.org.uk.

Q: Can I get financial assistance if I am eligible for treatment on the NHS? 

If you are eligible for NHS treatment, we can still provide emotional support and medical and Halachic guidance. For those who are not eligible for NHS treatment due to location, age or other factors, Chana may be able to offer financial assistance. 

Q: Do I remain Anonymous? 

Confidentiality is paramount at Chana. Callers to the helpline are not required to give their name and can receive support anonymously. To access other services from Chana you would need to meet with a support worker and provide personal details. However, if you are particularly concerned about confidentiality, we can agree who you will see ahead of time. Your details will remain anonymous within the organisation aside from the people you agree to meet with or speak to, such as the clinical lead and your allocated support worker. Within the organisation your information will be stored confidentially according to best practice guidelines, and your case will be referred to by a number to preserve your privacy. 

Q: There are so many fertility clinics and consultants. How do I know who to choose and where to go to? 

Chana does not endorse any one clinic or doctor; however, we can provide extensive information on different clinics and the medical expertise backgrounds of various consultants. We can also help you to understand the treatment options that have been suggested. The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) have provided guidelines on how to choose a clinic that you might find helpful: Choose a fertility clinic | HFEA 

Q: I have to a few Halachic questions that are confidential and I don’t want to ask my Rabbi, who can I speak to? 

Fertility challenges of all kinds can involve delicate Halachic questions, which often require expert attention from Rabbanim who specialise in this field. Chana is fortunate to have a Rabbinic panel consisting of several leading Halachic authorities, whom we can approach with the many and varied questions that come our way. We would be happy to discuss your Halachic question with you and present it to one of our Rabbanim on your behalf. Alternatively, we can ask your own Rabbi on your behalf, in confidence, if you prefer. 

Q: I need to fill out forms for the hospital and it feels like it’s overwhelming. Where do I start?

Chana’s dedicated patient advocate, who is a medical professional with experience in both private and NHS hospitals, can assist with filling out medical forms. Be in touch by email or call our office line to be in touch with them. 

Q: What are the most common issues that Chana deals with? 

It is impossible to identify "the most common issues" due to the extremely wide range of questions that Chana receives. Proudly, Chana deals broad spectrum of issues, including primary infertility, secondary infertility, male factor infertility, fertility preservation, high-risk pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss, genetics issues, Halachic matters, psychosexual issues, male and female reproductive health and more. If you have a question and you are not sure we can help, we encourage you to call the helpline for more information. If we cannot provide the help you need, we may be able to signpost you in the right direction.  

Q: Does Chana help non-married individuals or only married couples? 

We receive many enquiries about fertility preservation (egg freezing), for single women. Serving the Jewish community is a privilege and all callers to the helpline are welcome! We offer emotional and practical advice but at present we are unable to offer financial assistance for egg freezing. 

Q: Does Chana help with fertility preservation after a cancer diagnosis? 

Chana provides medical and emotional support for men and women (married or unmarried) who wish to preserve their fertility after a cancer diagnosis. We are experienced in this process and the time sensitivity involved and can guide you towards the necessary services as quickly as possible. 

Q: Does Chana offer educational programmes?

Chana offers a range of educational programmes, training and seminars that can be tailored to different age ranges and audiences. You can click HERE to find out more, or to book a lecture for your work, school, organisation or group. 

Q: What is the best way to donate to Chana?

There are several ways to donate to Chana. Chana relies on your assistance to provide emotional and practical support to couples facing this painful situation, and to maintain and develop our services for couples who so urgently need care and information. 

• To donate over the phone or require any other information, please call our office on 020 8203 8455. 

• To donate directly through our website to support our important work and help us to be there for couples on their fertility journey: