Sexual and Reproductive Health
Despite the progress made in some areas, Black women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals in the U.S. continue to face unacceptable disparities in sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Systemic racism, medical mistreatment, and socioeconomic inequities persistently contribute to poorer health outcomes in this population. The focus on reproductive justice emphasizes not only the right to bear children but also the right to access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, abortion care, and preventive screenings.
Access to sexual and reproductive healthcare remains a significant challenge for many Black individuals, particularly as they face barriers such as lack of insurance, limited access to culturally competent care, and discriminatory practices in health systems. Black women, in particular, suffer from higher rates of chronic conditions that affect reproductive health, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which in turn increase the risk of complications in reproductive health, such as infertility or pregnancy-related issues.
Additionally, Black individuals experience disparities in access to reproductive cancer screenings and treatments. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and reproductive cancers disproportionately affect Black women, with research indicating delays in diagnosis and treatment due to racial biases within the medical system. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of reproductive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer and cervical cancer. These cancers are often diagnosed at later stages when they are harder to treat, contributing to lower survival rates.
Sexual and reproductive healthcare, services, and education must be comprehensive and culturally relevant, addressing not only the prevention of unintended pregnancies but also the importance of STI prevention, sexual violence prevention, and gender-affirming care. Black communities often lack access to the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This lack of access is further exacerbated by the stigma and discrimination that Black individuals face in seeking care.
Key Policy Recommendations to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Ensure universal access to reproductive health care and preventive screenings
- Require insurance companies to provide full coverage for sexual and reproductive health services, including 90-day prescriptions for contraception
- Invest in cultural competency training for healthcare providers to address implicit biases
- Fund research and data collection to identify areas where health inequities can be reduced
- Increase funding for programs that improve access to reproductive health care services
- Pass legislation to address racial disparities in reproductive health
- Expand comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education
- Support the development of community-based health services
