Minoritised People
Despite advances in reproductive technology making IVF and donor conception an option for more people than ever before, those from marginalised groups are still more likely to experience disparities in access to treatment and in outcomes. This is especially true for minoritised ethnic groups and disabled people. To learn about the disparities and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, click here.
Inequitable care and outcomes
In a 2021 HFEA report on ethnic diversity in fertility treatment, statistics showed that Black and Asian women in the UK have significantly lower IVF birth rates than White and Mixed ethnicity women who received the same treatment. They were also more likely to experience difficulties in timely referral, in accessing services, and in finding a donor of the same or similar ethnicity. The causes of these disparities are multifaceted and include: systemic racism and barriers to care for people of minoritised ethnicities; lack of infertility education; language and cultural barriers; lack of trust in medical systems and personnel; and a higher incidence of gynaecological conditions that affect the fallopian tubes and uterus.
People with disabilities and chronic illnesses also experience discrimination when accessing fertility treatment. They are often not given adequate information, education, or support, and can be subject to patronising or infantalising views of what is ‘best’ for them, their health, and the child they wish to have.
Cultural taboo and social stigma
Though conversations aimed at reducing the stigma around infertility are becoming more commonplace, it can be especially difficult for those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds where cultural taboos may prevent them from sharing their experiences. These taboos are further compounded by racist stereotypes about ‘hyperfertility’ and ‘strong Black women’, which can cause delays in seeking and receiving treatment.
Disabled people also experience social stigma around fertility treatment, pregnancy, and parenthood and are at times blocked by courts from utilising reproductive technology or from raising the children born to them. Lack of understanding around medication interactions or the impact of fertility treatment and pregnancy on certain conditions means that sometimes disabled women are given incorrect advice, impacting their ability to make autonomous, informed decisions about their care.
Support and resources
UK-Wide Groups | Fertility Network (fertilitynetworkuk.org)
African Egg Donors in the UK - African Egg Donation | Ebony Concept
Blackwomenandinfertility (@blackwomenandinfertility)
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Family services | Disability charity Scope UK
7 stories of barriers to reproductive care for those with disabilities (statnews.com)