At SGF, we believe everyone deserves the chance to build their family. However, research shows that Black women face unique challenges when it comes to infertility awareness, access to care, and treatment success rates. By acknowledging these disparities and offering solutions, SGF is committed to empowering Black women with the resources, support, and expert care they deserve.
Meet SGF’s Black fertility specialists
Finding a fertility specialist who understands your unique concerns can make all the difference. At SGF, we are proud to have highly experienced fertility specialists who are dedicated to serving the Black community. Our team understands the cultural, medical, and emotional aspects of fertility treatment and is here to guide you every step of the way.
Dr. Jerrine Morris, one of SGF’s esteemed fertility specialists, is passionate about breaking down barriers to fertility care. “I became a doctor to help and advocate for underserved populations,” shares Dr. Morris. “By providing education, resources, and compassionate care, we can help dismantle stigmas surrounding infertility and encourage earlier treatment, leading to better outcomes.”
Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director, Richmond
Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director, Atlanta
Understanding racial disparities in fertility care
Research has shown that Black women are half as likely to seek fertility treatment services than white women. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including:
Limited access to care due to socioeconomic factors. Even when patients have access to fertility care, Black women seek an infertility evaluation at lower rates and discontinue fertility treatments at higher rates as compared to other patients.1
Seeking fertility treatment later. Due to educational barriers and stigmas surrounding reproductive care, Black women are often seeking fertility care later than other patient populations.
Mistrust in the healthcare system stemming from historical inequalities and implicit biases.
Higher infertility rates. Research shows that Black women experience infertility more often than other demographics.
Lower IVF success rates. Research shows Black women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), have lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with white women even after controlling for various factors.2
In an award-winning study, SGF researchers found that Black patients respond just as well to fertility medications that stimulate egg production by producing as many eggs and often producing more good-quality embryos than white patients. However, Black women still had lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates.3
While clinical factors such as uterine fibroids have been suggested to influence this disparity, implicit biases in referral patterns and the care given to women of color also play a role. This highlights the importance of early intervention, comprehensive care, and continued research to close the gap in fertility treatment success.
It is essential to recognize and understand the racial disparities that exist in fertility care so we can better support our patients. SGF is dedicated to continuing research on racial and ethnic disparities and providing better access to fertility care for Black women through providing resources and support for our patients.
Four essential tips for Black women navigating fertility care
1. Seek fertility care sooner
Age is the number one predictor of female fertility. However, stigmas surrounding infertility, cultural misconceptions about hyperfertility, lack of trust in medical professionals often lead Black women to delay seeking fertility treatment.
By seeking a fertility evaluation sooner rather than later, patients can receive an early diagnosis and maximize their chances of successful fertility treatment. Our compassionate care team is here to listen, support, and ultimately help you achieve your family-building goals.
2. Address pre-existing medical conditions
Black women disproportionately affected by certain fertility-related conditions, including:
- Uterine fibroids (which affect up to 80% of Black women by age 50)4
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Obesity and metabolic disorders
By staying proactive with regular OB/GYN visits and addressing these conditions early, you can improve your reproductive health and fertility treatment success.
3. Use SGF’s fertility resources and support
You don’t have to go through fertility treatment alone. SGF offers free educational resources, support groups, and events to help patients feel informed and empowered.
- Explore SGF’s Resource Library, featuring over 2,000 articles, videos, and guides.
- Join a free fertility webinar to learn about treatment options from our specialists.
- Find community support through SGF’s dedicated fertility support groups.
- Engage with fellow patients online. Follow SGF on Instagram.
4. Learn about insurance coverage and SGF’s financial programs and grants
SGF participates with many insurance plans and offers innovative financial programs and discounts to make fertility treatment more affordable.
Insurance coverage: Approximately 70% of SGF patients have some coverage for fertility treatment and 90% have coverage for their initial consultation.
Financial programs:
- Shared Risk 100% Refund Program
- Multi-Cycle Discount for IVF
- Shared Help Discount Program, an income-based program
- Military Discounts
- Medication Discount Program
To learn more about insurance coverage and financial assistance options, call our New Patient Center at 1-888-761-1967.
Breaking barriers, building families
At SGF, we recognize the unique challenges Black women face in their fertility journey, and we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
With leading Black fertility doctors, groundbreaking research, and accessible financial programs, SGF is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the first step, schedule a consultation with an SGF fertility specialist today.
Your family-building journey starts here.
Medical contribution by Jerrine R. Morris, M.D., M.P.H.
Jerrine R. Morris, M.D., M.P.H., is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). Dr. Morris earned her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia.
- Korkidakis, Ann et al. (2024) “Determinants of utilization of infertility services by race and ethnicity in a state with a comprehensive infertility mandate.” Fertility and Sterility, In press.
- Jackson-Bey, T., Morris, J., Jasper, E., Velez Edwards, DR., Thornton, K., Richard-Davis, G., Plowden, T. (2021) “Systematic Review of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Where Do We Stand Today?” Fertility and Sterility Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.05.001.
- Bishop, L. A., Devine, K., Sasson, I. E., Plowden, T., Hill, M. J., DeCherney, A. H., Richter, K. (2018). “African American patients experience reduced pregnancy, higher pregnancy loss, and lower live birth from IVF embryo transfers despite producing more oocytes and more transfer quality embryos than Caucasian patients.” Fertility and Sterility, Volume 110, Issue 4, e6.
- Eltoukhi H.M., Modi M.N., Weston M., Armstrong A.Y., Stewart E.A. “The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.” Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Mar;210(3):194-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008. Epub 2013 Aug 11. PMID: 23942040; PMCID: PMC3874080.
