The New York Times recently addressed infertility among black women in “Infertility, Endured Through a Prism of Race.” Is infertility more common among black women? Are black women aware of medical and financial options available to help them build their families?
The New York Times: Race & Infertility Treatment
According to Shady Grove Fertility, Frank E. Chang, M.D., even in states – like Maryland – where infertility treatment may be covered by insurance, black women seek out treatment less often.
Dr. Camille Hammond, of the Cade Foundation, suggested that is a knowledge gap for black women about their options, “It’s not just family building – it’s knowing how to go about paying for it, where to get support.”
Data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services from the National Center of Health Statistics, says that 15 percent of white women ages 25-44 in the U.S. have sought medical help to get pregnant. For Hispanic and black women, the rate nearly drops in half, 7.6 and 8 percent respectively.
To make the gap worse, married black women had almost twice the odds of experiencing infertility, according to the National Survey of Family Growth conducted from 2006 to 201 by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Read the complete article from The New York Times, and here from women who have experience infertility, and those that are trying to raise awareness about infertility in minority communities.
If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.
