We believe that healthcare is for everyone and investing in women’s healthcare is investing in all. We were thrilled to be invited to contribute, network, learn and listen.
We’re proud to help put this incredibly important issue on the government’s agenda.
Some stats on fertility inequality
A new report by the HFEA studying IVF treatment in the UK, has found that black women are the least likely of all patients to give birth, closely followed by Asian women.
The birth rate for black women is 23% and for Asian women 25%, in comparison to 30% for mixed race and white patients (aged 30 - 34).
STIGMA
Part of the problem, the report highlighted, is the increased stigma that infertility has within non-white communities. This results in black and Asian people seeking reproductive care at a later age than white people do, with smaller successes.
Much of the stigma comes from a lack of representation – across messaging and images, in tv commercials, and within research. White faces and white bodies flood the market and further isolate people who do not see themselves reflected.
EGG & SPERM DONORS
There are also significantly fewer numbers of sperm and egg donations from black and Asian people. A whopping 89% of egg donors are white, meaning if black people are looking for black donors, and Asian people are looking for Asian donors, they must wait much longer than white couples, or import from other countries.
MISCARRIAGE
Another reason white people are more likely to have a live birth is the increased risk of miscarriage, which is 43% higher for black and ethnic minority women than for white women. Unfortunately, the research on exactly why this is is unclear, and though there are some widely-recognised risk factors, including diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, and low socioeconomic status, the racism and systemic inequality throughout healthcare is most likely to be the leading reason.
Though this statistic is heartbreaking, it’s important to remember that 75% of people who miscarry go on to have a full term pregnancy.
Diversity of opinion
Conversations about the lack of black, Asian and minority ethnic voices in healthcare and fertility are important, not only because diversity of opinion is important, but because the silence can be catastrophically unhealthy.
We’re passionate about helping put this issue on the government’s policy agenda, and will continue to champion diversity of opinion across healthcare and fertility health.
We'll be sure to keep you posted on the progress of this venture!
We attended the number 10 roundtable with Goddess Gaia Ventures, a female founded venture capital firm who invest in tech, products and solutions that cater towards the service of women’s healthcare needs.
References
Our Vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England
Miscarriage rates over 40% higher in black women, study suggests
Ethnic minority women are less likely to have successful fertility treatment
#BlackLivesMatter in fertility treatment too
The very white face of infertility suggests women of colour don’t need support
