I sat in a posh boardroom with cutouts from glossy magazine pages. A career women, smiling faces, a lovely house, a crib, a baby. I organized my pictures into a mood board. The other women around the table were doing the same. We bonded that evening about our lives and our shared goals – to be mothers. As we made our mood boards we spoke about feeling like foreigners in the fertility office waiting rooms or needing an egg donor, but the donor bank only had 6 black women to choose from. This was a local chapter meeting of Fertility for Colored Girls, one of the great resources that supports Black fertility journeys.
Infertility in the black community
Infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey for anyone, and if you’re a black person, you know firsthand that your experiences come with additional challenges and cultural stigmas. Firstly, Black women experience higher rates of infertility than White women in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12% of Black women have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, compared to 10% of White women. Black women are more likely to have conditions like uterine fibroids, which can make pregnancy more challenging or even result in hysterectomy.
These disparities are thought to be due to many factors including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, systemic racism, and cultural attitudes toward infertility and reproductive health. Thankfully several organizations are taking on the job of addressing infertility in the black community. If you are on your fertility journey, know that you are not alone and there are resources available to help.
Six resources for black fertility journeys
National Infertility Association (RESOLVE)
RESOLVE is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for people facing infertility. It is a leading education and advocacy organization with activities that range from local support groups, online communities, financial grants, and policy advocacy. They also have a special support group for Black families, which provides a space for Black people to connect, share their experiences, and receive support from one another.
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Black women and girls. They offer a range of programs and services, including resources and support for individuals facing infertility. One of their signature programs is on reproductive justice and protecting the right for black women to have children.
Fertility for Colored Girls
Fertility for Colored Girls is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for Black women facing infertility. It was founded by Rev. Stacey Edwards-Dunn in 2013 during her 7 year infertility journey to address the gap in fertility resources. Fertility for Colored Girl offers educational workshops, local support groups, counseling resources, and financial assistance for fertility treatments.
The Sister Girl Foundation
Shantana Hazel founded The Sister Girl Foundation in 2010 to help other women locate much needed care for endometriosis and gynecologic cancers. This non-profit organization provides awareness, education, support and advocacy for people with endometriosis, infertility, breast and ovarian cancers. They “are committed to helping individuals who are suffering in silence find their voices and advocate for their healthcare”.
Fertility Within Reach
Fertility Within Reach is a non-profit organization dedicated to making fertility care more accessible. They make fertility care more affordable through grants, loans, and financial resources to help with the cost of treatment. Their advocacy work with robust, and they regularly educate and lobby policymakers to improve access to healthcare resources that support fertility journeys.
The Broken Brown Egg
The Broken Brown Egg was started to open a dialogue around infertility in the black community, “to empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it.” Regina offers a raw look at the reality and infertility. The Broken Brown Egg features support groups, educational resources, musical playlists, a financial grant, and a strong social media presence.
There are many great resources available to Black black people facing infertility. Whether you’re looking for support, information, volunteer opportunities or advocacy, these organizations can help you navigate this challenging time and give back to the community.
