Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Fertility and Assisted Reproduction

When the first edition of this book was published in 2013 it was still controversial to many on whether or not true racial differences existed in the delivery of fertility care. Since then, much like the evolution of the acceptance of climate change, it is now generally believed that not only are there differences but that there are real racial and ethnic disparities in access and treatment outcomes.

Overview of Disparities in Reproductive Medicine

This second edition of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Fertility and Assisted Reproduction documents our present understanding of the scope, contributing causes and complexity of potential solutions for closing the racial/ethnic disparity gap in using our most medically advanced assisted reproductive technologies to bring joy to those who wish to become parents. Effort has been directed to developing a better understanding of how and why these disparities occur.

The research reviews the current state of racial/ethnic differences in ART and discusses the contributing factors for the disparities. It addresses medical, socio-economic, behavioral, and cultural differences when treating infertility among different groups. An expert assembly of key leaders in the field of reproductive medicine imparts insight and clinical experience to identify and analyze the possible causes of racial disparities infertility outcome.

Key Research Areas and Clinical Findings

This book is sure to distinguish itself as the definitive reference on racial and ethnic differences in assisted reproduction. The following research areas provide a blueprint for narrowing the disparity gap:

• The DART Hypothesis: Investigating racial and ethnic disparities in access and outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment in the United States.
• Economic and Sociocultural Factors: Analyzing the impact of these variables in seeking fertility services.
• Medical Conditions Across Groups: Examining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome across racial and ethnic groups and racial diversity and uterine fibroids.
• Race, Stress, and Fertility: Identifying physiological and psychological contributors to fertility differences.

Specific Populations and Procedural Outcomes

Detailed insight is provided regarding treatment outcomes for diverse populations and specialized technologies:

• Disparities between Black and White women in assisted reproductive technology in the United States.
• Assisted reproductive outcomes in Hispanic patients.
• Reproductive and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in East Asian women.
• Differences in fertility and assisted reproduction in South Asian women.
• PGT-A outcomes and racial disparities in oocyte donation and frozen embryo transfer cycles.
• Recurrent pregnancy loss across different ethnicities and racial disparities in oocyte cryopreservation.

Systemic Influences on Fertility Success

External and biological factors play a significant role in reproductive success. Key areas of focus include the impact of state-mandated insurance on racial and ethnic disparities in access and outcomes of ART. Additionally, the text explores the effect of obesity on fertility and ART success among ethnic groups. This work is intended for assisted reproductive communities, reproductive endocrinologists, ob/gyn, and family medicine professionals.