Racial and ethnic disparities in assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review

Fertil Steril. 2023 Mar;119(3):341-347. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.023. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Abstract

There is emergent scientific literature examining the disparities in reproductive care of women in the United States. Reproduction is a basic human right and there are unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities face in accessing fertility care and assisted reproductive technology. The identification of these disparities can aid in identifying areas for interventions to improve and resolve, the inequities that exist in providing care for minority populations. A literature search was performed using PubMed to identify articles with data specific to racial and ethnic differences in study populations as it related to infertility, access to care, and treatment outcomes. The following review and collection of articles provide a comprehensive overview of the disparities that exist, the factors that contribute to these disparities, and recommendations for how providers and health care systems may begin to resolve the gaps in equitable care.

Keywords: Disparities; ethnicity; in vitro fertilization; race; racism.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Ethnicity*
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • Racial Groups*
  • Reproduction
  • United States