Strategies for Culturally Responsive Practice Management

Historically, the quintessential infertile couple has been Caucasian, heterosexual, and financially secure. Thus, fertility services have generally been created and delivered with the needs of this population in mind. While discussions surrounding infertility are becoming more commonplace, marginalized populations suffer in silence due to a lack of compassion, inclusivity, and equity in healthcare. Cultural insensitivity and implicit bias continue to hinder the disenfranchised from seeking reproductive assistance, even as access to fertility coverage has increased. A dramatic change in the landscape of family building is challenging practices to provide more inclusive treatment options. An objective review of existing systems is, therefore, necessary to make the infertility clinic a more culturally sensitive and inclusive environment. Reproductive health partners must ameliorate the disparities between privileged and marginalized populations that need their services. Training to address matters of equity benefits a practice’s reputation while fostering a culture of trust within the community, furthering the cause for diverse patient populations.