A new program in Chicago aims to provide financial assistance to people of colour seeking fertility treatment, addressing the disparities that exist in accessing assisted reproductive treatments

Research indicates that Black individuals are twice as likely as their white counterparts to face infertility, yet they often have limited access to fertility care.

The Broken Brown Egg, a Chicago nonprofit, has partnered with fertility benefits company Progyny to offer two grants worth $10,000 each. These grants will help individuals and couples of colour cover the costs of fertility treatments, including medications. The application deadline for the grants is December 8.

Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), can typically cost between $10,000 and $15,000 per cycle. However, health insurance often does not cover these expenses, making it financially challenging for many individuals and couples.

The Broken Brown Egg was founded by Regina Townsend, who personally experienced a decade-long struggle with infertility. Townsend shared her journey in the book “Make IF Make Sense” with the aim of providing support and companionship to others facing similar challenges.

The grant program seeks to educate and empower families of color, debunking the myth that BIPOC couples and individuals are exempt from needing fertility care. Townsend emphasizes the lack of fertility clinics in communities of color in Chicago, highlighting the need for greater accessibility and support.

According to Pew research, only about 26% of Black participants reported receiving or knowing someone who received fertility treatment, the lowest percentage among the racial groups surveyed. In contrast, nearly half of the white respondents answered affirmatively.

The initiative in Chicago reflects a concerted effort to address the disparities in fertility care and ensure that people of colour have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams of starting a family.