_{Changing the Narrative, Starting With Us}

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Health Equity
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Black women experience higher rates of infertility but are less likely to seek or complete fertility treatments.
• Societal stigma, particularly the stereotype of Black women as hyper-fertile, contributes to discomfort and delayed care.
• Provider implicit bias can negatively impact medical referrals and treatment plans, exacerbating disparities in reproductive healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the racial/ethnic disparities in infertility care experienced by Black women.
• To identify the role of stigma and implicit bias in these disparities.
• To propose actionable steps for the medical community to improve equitable care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on infertility, race, and healthcare disparities.
• Analysis of the impact of stereotypes and implicit bias on clinical practice.
• Discussion of strategies for provider education and patient counseling.

Main Results:

• Contrary to stereotypes, Black women face a higher burden of infertility.
• Stigma and provider bias create significant obstacles to accessing and completing fertility treatments.
• A gap exists in equitable care and counseling for Black women regarding fertility preservation and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Medical providers must acknowledge and address racial/ethnic disparities in reproductive health.
• Debunking fertility stereotypes with evidence and understanding personal biases are crucial steps.
• Providing respectful, equitable, and consistent care is essential to improving health equity in infertility treatment.