The ASRM just held its annual meeting, as doctors and researchers congregated in Anaheim, California, between October 22 through October 26, 2022. At the conference, Dr. Marco Mouanness presented the latest research done by the team at the Northeast fertility clinic Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC). 

ASRM is a yearly education and research meeting that focuses on reproductive medicine. Those who attended the convention participated in scientific sessions, pre-congress courses, and videos presented by top experts in the field from all over the world.

As one of those experts, Dr. Mouanness presented the recent paper published by the team, "Racial Disparity in Healthcare Experience Among Patients Seeking Fertility Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (Mouanness & Merhi, 2022). 

The research matter is important because data shows racial disparities that exist in access and outcomes when it comes to assisted reproductive technology treatment in the US. The effect of the pandemic on this racial disparity hasn't been studied; so the aim of this particular study by RFC was to identify how the pandemic impacted patient decision-making regarding fertility planning and treatment amongst black women as opposed to non-black patients.

RFC, directed by Dr Zaher Merhi, sent a survey out to the emails of all their patients presenting to RFC, a university-affiliated fertility clinic, between January 2021 and December 2021. These patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their fertility plans before and during the pandemic. They were also asked about demographics such as age, race, ethnicity, employment, vaccination, fertility treatments prior to COVID-19, and any changes in treatments during the pandemic.

The researchers received replies from 223 patients with 41.6% reported pursuing IVF before the pandemic; 7% wanted their eggs frozen; 4% wanted IUI; and 31% were doing fertility work-up. Most of them (about 69%) reported that the pandemic didn't change their plans, and only a small proportion either postponing or canceling their treatments, with financial instability being their most commonly reported reason (22%).

Fewer black women reported being vaccinated compared to others (35% versus 52%). Also, when asked if they thought the pandemic was handled well by major healthcare systems, black women were more likely to say no. Also, they reported feeling less comfortable visiting offices in person during the pandemic. They didn't report any differently when it came to their opinion of whether the vaccine might affect fertility or pregnancy, or whether taking the vaccine stopped them from pursuing fertility treatments.

The researchers concluded that among women undergoing fertility treatments during the pandemic, black women were less likely to be vaccinated, less likely to be satisfied with how major healthcare systems handled the pandemic, and more comfortable with in-person visits to fertility clinics. The team agreed that there's a definite need to understand the underlying reasons why the pandemic contributed to racial disparity in fertility treatments.

A spokesperson for RFC said, "We are so proud of you (Dr. Mouanness and Dr Merhi) for contributing your research to help advance the world of reproductive medicine. We're so excited for what's to come and can't wait to see everyone again at next year's meeting!"

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