Support & Resources for Black Women

Infertility affects all different backgrounds, genders, races and religions. Some races, however, have higher rates of infertility paired with a lower likelihood of seeking treatment. It is important to us as a black-owned fertility practice to help educate and raise awareness on these topics.

Infertility in the Black Community

Black, Indigenous and BIPOC women experience infertility at higher rates than their white counterparts. More specifically, Black women have a greater lifetime incidence of fibroids and are three times more likely than white women to have uterine fibroids.

Despite higher rates of infertility, African American women are less likely to seek treatment. While specific reasons for why vary by each individual, research has shown that there could be a few explanations. The assumption that Black women are hyper-fertile, less willing to share private pregnancy struggles, less trusting of medical providers, or don’t have access to insurance coverage for treatment are just a few.

Finding Support

It’s not uncommon to feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed while experiencing infertility. Finding support and looking after your mental health can help your mind while preparing for changes and challenges that might lie ahead.

We collaborated with our friend Monique Farook, Founder of the Infertility and Me podcast, to create a list of our favorite Instagram accounts, podcasts, communities and resources created by Black women to help you on your journey!

Support Groups and Communities

Hannah’s Daughters

Sisters In Loss

Mind Your Own Womb

The Fibroid Pandemic

The Broken Brown Egg

Black LGBTQ Moms

Nonprofits & Financial Assistance

The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation  

We Can Wear White

Filling Empty Wombs

Licensed Therapists

Shivonne Odom, Akoma Counseling

Dr. Loree Johnson

Education and Awareness

Kellee Stewart’s Warrior Wednesdays 

Eggs Over Easy: Black Women and Infertility Documentary

Fertility For Colored Girls

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

The Game of Life by Dacìa Lewis

Fertility for Colored Girls

Sources:

“Inequality in Infertility: Black, Indigenous and People of Color.” Progyny, 29 Dec. 2020, https://progyny.com/blog/fertility-family-building/inequality-in-infertility-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color/.

Eltoukhi, Heba M et al. “The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.” American journal of obstetrics and gynecology vol. 210,3 (2014): 194-9. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. (2020, December 4). Myths about African Americans and Infertility. https://resolve.org/infertility-101/what-is-infertility/myths-about-african-americans-and-infertility/#:%7E:text=Myth%3A%20Black%20women%20don’t%20have%20fertility%20issues.&text=In%20fact%2C%20some%20studies%20find,of%20conditions%20such%20as%20fibroids.

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LGBTQ+

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We take pride in ensuring that each person who enters our clinic feels comfortable and heard. That's why each member of the Laurel Fertility Care team has earned a certification in LGBTQ+ inclusion.

What is Third Party Reproduction?

In some cases a third party, such as a donor and/or a gestational carrier is needed.

Why Laurel Fertility Care?

We offer a supportive, inclusive, and knowledgeable team to guide you when you’re ready to pursue your dream of a family. Our team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care that is full of hope!

You Treatment Options

Our team of specialists is here to create a personalized care plan for you. Learn more about our treatment options and what works best for you and your family.