Closing the Gap in Reproductive Care
When it comes to fertility, Black women are underserved even though they are nearly twice as likely to experience fertility issues compared to White women. Specifically,
48% of Black women may struggle with fertility, versus 31% of White women. Unfortunately, Black women are also half as likely to receive fertility treatments. According to the
National Center for Health Statistics, 15% of White women between the ages of 25-44 received fertility treatments, as opposed to 8% of Black women within the same age range. This disparity in numbers is due to a combination of socioeconomic and cultural factors, including the lingering stigma of infertility, which has caused many Black women to suffer in silence.
The Stigma
The stigma surrounding infertility is still felt by many, and some communities feel it more strongly than others. In one
study, both Black and Hispanic women felt a higher degree of stigma due to infertility compared to other ethnic groups. When this stigma suppresses important conversations about infertility and family-building alternatives, many women are left silenced and unaware of their options.
The Potential Solutions
With Black female public figures such as Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, and Tyra Banks
sharing their fertility issues, perhaps the larger conversation about fertility and fertility treatment can become more open and the stigma could be reduced. This would create opportunities that can empower those struggling with infertility and give them the informational tools they need to seek the family-building options that are right for them.
Yet, even with empowerment and knowledge about family-building options, access to those options continues to be an issue for many simply because of cost. However, as fertility benefits are becoming more widely available, access to treatment can become much more feasible. With more companies providing these benefits to employees, perhaps the stigma can be further reduced and the gap in fertility treatment access can improve.
WIN can make access to fertility treatment easier for patients of all backgrounds through the diversity and expertise of our provider network and on-staff Nurse Care Managers. Patients are paired with a dedicated Nurse Care Manager who is there to provide education, support, and guidance throughout the entire family-building journey. WIN’s vast national provider network allows for convenient access to treatment, including specialists who are specialized in treating PCOS and other health conditions that affect fertility. WIN matches patients with providers that are right for their unique needs, taking into account a variety of factors such as geographical location, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and language.
