Hope in Our Hands
Yesterday (10/27/24), I had the privilege of speaking at the Fertility for Colored Girls + Guys event, “Hope in Our Hands,” alongside leading experts in reproductive health from the Chicagoland area, including Dr. Gloria Elam (Ob/Gyn), Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas (Urologist), Dr. Crystal Clark (Psychiatrist), and Rev. Stacey Edwards Dunn (founder of Fertility for Colored Girls + Guys). Together, we tackled the critical topic of infertility within the Black community.
Events like this one, organized by FFCG, mean so much to me because education is essential to bridging healthcare gaps for people of color.
Did you know that Black individuals are twice as likely to experience infertility and often wait up to 20 months longer to access fertility care compared to their White counterparts? I am deeply committed to the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, timely, and effective fertility care. Everyone should have the opportunity to build the family of their dreams—this is my guiding principle.
Our conversation was expertly moderated by Dorthy Tucker from CBS Chicago. We discussed the basics of infertility, available treatment options, the costs involved, barriers to access, and the influence of racial disparities on fertility care.
One insightful question we explored was how lifestyle affects fertility. I shared key points, including that:
Smoking has been linked to a longer time to pregnancy for both men and women. It also reduces ovarian reserve (the number of remaining eggs), which can lead to menopause occurring about a year earlier than expected.
Alcohol consumption, especially moderate to heavy drinking, has been associated with delayed conception. Additionally, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
Marijuana’s impact on fertility is less clear. While some evidence suggests it may impair sperm function, it’s still debated whether this significantly affects pregnancy outcomes. However, marijuana is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, so it’s best avoided during this time.
It was truly inspiring to connect with such dedicated providers and a community I’m honored to support. Please visit Fertility for Colored Girls + Guys for more impactful and educational events!
