Egg Freezing Is More Accessible Than Ever — Why Are Black Women Utilizing It Less?

It’s a tricky time for reproductive rights: On one end of the spectrum, people are losing their lives over strict abortion laws in their respective states. On the other, fertility preservation is more widely available than ever — and folks are taking advantage. Egg freezing, in particular, has become far more accessible. According to Mercer, an HR consulting firm, about 20 percent of large employers (companies with a headcount of 20,000+) now offer the treatment — great news for those looking to start families. But even as the number of people with access to egg freezing grows, Black women seem to fall behind when it comes to the use of this treatment. It’s not surprising when you consider how systemic racism already creates significant hurdles for Black women to navigate life in general — the healthcare system is not exempt. “A history of medical experimentation, coercion, and mistreatment of Black women has fueled a mistrust,” a 2022 study in Health Affairs on Black women’s reproductive health observed, “one that shapes Black communities’ engagement and satisfaction with medical care.” These systemic issues create a situation of undue difficulty for Black women considering freezing their eggs. It doesn’t even start with having...