Reproductive Equity Program

    Pathways to Parenthood

    Eliminating financial, educational, and systemic barriers to family-building for low-income and BIPOC women in Arizona diagnosed with PCOS or fibroids experiencing infertility.

    Program Purpose

    To eliminate financial, educational, and systemic barriers to family-building for low-income and BIPOC women in Arizona diagnosed with PCOS or fibroids experiencing infertility.

    The Problem: Infertility as an Equity Issue

    8-13%

    of women of reproductive age affected by PCOS

    Source: World Health Organization
    80% / 70%

    of Black women, and nearly 70% of white women, develop fibroids by age 50

    Source: Baird et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003
    3x

    more likely for Black women to have fibroids than white women

    Source: Catherino et al., Semin Reprod Med 2013
    $15,000-$20,000

    average cost per IVF cycle

    Source: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
    2x

    higher adjusted odds of infertility for Black women vs white women

    Source: Wellons et al., Fertil Steril 2008

    PCOS Impact

    PCOS affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Among women of color, diagnosis is often delayed, and treatment access is limited due to systemic healthcare inequities.

    Source: World Health OrganizationSource: Teede et al., International PCOS Guideline 2023

    Fibroids Disparity

    By age 50, more than 80% of Black women and nearly 70% of white women have developed fibroids. Fibroids are about three times more common in Black women, often appearing at younger ages and with more severe symptoms, contributing to higher infertility rates.

    Source: Baird et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003Source: Catherino et al., Semin Reprod Med 2013

    Treatment Barriers

    Fertility treatments such as IVF commonly cost $15,000–$20,000 per cycle. In Arizona and many states, insurance rarely covers infertility treatment, leaving low-income families without options.

    Source: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

    BIPOC Disparities

    • • Black women have roughly twice the adjusted odds of infertility compared with white women but are less likely to receive or pursue fertility treatment
    • • Hispanic women report infertility at similar rates but face barriers such as lack of insurance coverage, language access, and high treatment costs
    Source: Wellons et al., Fertil Steril 2008

    Mental Health Impact

    Women with untreated infertility can face significantly higher risk of anxiety, depression, and relationship stress, especially when compounded by financial hardship and medical inequities.

    Our Solution: Pathways to Parenthood

    Education & Early Detection

    Culturally informed workshops and screenings to help women identify signs of PCOS, fibroids, and hormonal imbalances early, increasing chances of successful treatment.

    Affordable Access

    Partner with clinics and nonprofits to expand access to low-cost fertility services, holistic reproductive care, and sliding-scale treatments for underserved BIPOC and low-income women.

    Advocacy & Policy Change

    Support legislation that expands insurance coverage, requires equitable access to fertility care for Medicaid recipients, and funds research prioritizing BIPOC populations.

    Whole-Person Care

    Integrate nutrition, holistic therapies, stress management, and herbal medicine alongside medical interventions, recognizing fertility health is tied to overall wellness.

    Advocacy & Policy Change Goals

    We support legislation that creates systemic change for fertility equity

    Expands insurance coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF

    Requires equitable access to fertility care for Medicaid recipients

    Funds research that prioritizes understanding PCOS and fibroids in BIPOC populations

    Join the Movement for Reproductive Equity

    Help us break down barriers and create pathways to parenthood for all families, regardless of income or background.

    Apply for SupportDonate to the Fund

    Sources & References

    Every statistic on this page is drawn from the peer-reviewed literature or federal public health data. Follow any link to read the original source.

    1. Polycystic ovary syndrome — fact sheetWorld Health Organization • 2025 • PCOS affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age; up to 70% are undiagnosed worldwide
    2. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary SyndromeTeede HJ, Tay CT, Laven J, et al. • Fertility and Sterility / Human Reproduction • 2023
    3. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: ultrasound evidenceBaird DD, Dunson DB, Hill MC, Cousins D, Schectman JM • American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology • 2003 • Ultrasound screening study; cumulative incidence by age 50 of >80% in Black women and ~70% in white women
    4. Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations of Uterine LeiomyomaCatherino WH, Eltoukhi HM, Al-Hendy A • Seminars in Reproductive Medicine • 2013 • Fibroid prevalence is roughly three times higher among women of African ancestry
    5. The Costs of Infertility TreatmentRESOLVE: The National Infertility Association • 2025
    6. Racial differences in self-reported infertility and risk factors for infertility in a cohort of black and white women: the CARDIA Women's StudyWellons MF, Lewis CE, Schwartz SM, et al. • Fertility and Sterility • 2008 • Adjusted odds of infertility roughly twofold higher among Black women