Fertility and Sterility Publishes Joint Opinion Piece on Addressing the Endometriosis Gap
April 9, 2025
For immediate release
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that often causes pelvic pain and infertility and is challenging to diagnose. The paper examines disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in Black patients, specifically.
"Every individual with endometriosis deserves to receive high quality, equitable care, regardless of race and ethnicity, yet existing research shows that Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared to White women and experience undue delays in diagnosis," said Gloria Richard-Davis, M.D., a co-author of the opinion piece and the Regional Dean of the More in Common Alliance, a partnership between the Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health. "Our hope is that this paper serves as a call to action for fellow OB/GYNs, scientists, and healthcare providers to take action on health equity and ultimately improve health outcomes for our patients with endometriosis."
Along with Dr. Richard-Davis, the paper is co-authored by Drs. Janelle Jackman, Jasmine Eliwa, Kim Thornton, Zaraq Khan, and Rebecca Flyckt.
The joint opinion piece offers recommended solutions regarding policymaking, additional research, and new medical industry standards and training. Examples include:
- Offering implicit bias training for students and physicians
- Recruiting a more diverse physician workforce
- Encouraging vigilant screening for endometriosis in Black patients and referring patients to specialists when appropriate
- Investigating the preoperative evaluation and planning patterns and experiences of Black endometriosis patients
- Reviewing gaps in how the healthcare system widens existing disparities in care
- Incentivizing greater payor and patient diversity among specialist surgeons
- Improving insurance reimbursement for specialist care to improve differences in referral patterns
- Empowering and collaborating with Black patients on health advocacy, including through patient support groups and inclusive workplace policies
Fertility and Sterility is a monthly publication of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
To learn more, read “Addressing the Endometriosis Gap and Promoting Equal Access to Care for Black Women with Endometriosis"
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
Press Releases
Check out these press releases as well
ASRM, SART Decry “Dangerous and Devastating” Cuts at HHS
ASRM and SART condemn dangerous staffing cuts at FDA, NIH, and CDC, calling for immediate reversal to protect vital public health and reproductive research.
ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Safety of IVF for Pregnant People and Babies
ASRM's fact sheet confirms IVF as a safe, effective, regulated medical procedure, emphasizing careful monitoring of pregnancies for optimal health outcomes.
ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases White Paper Detailing Oversight of IVF in the U.S. and Abroad
ASRM's Center for Policy & Leadership releases a white paper on IVF and ART oversight, detailing U.S. and global regulations and their impact on reproductive care.
ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Announces 2025 PRIMED Cohort
ASRM's Center for Policy and Leadership announces the 2025 PRIMED cohort, advancing advocacy in reproductive medicine through expert training and engagement.The News from ASRM
Latest News
An indispensable news digest for reproductive scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals. The Latest News posts are available to ASRM members in good standing only.
ASRM Press Releases/Bulletins
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the press and Society members of important recent developments.
Legally Speaking Column
Legally Speaking is a column highlighting recent court decisions affecting the assisted reproductive technologies and the families they create, written by Susan L. Crockin, J.D. and guest authors who offer unique perspectives and expertise on significant legal topics.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of endometriosis
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: October 2024
Topics include: mechanical contractions and fibroid progression, endometriosis classification and risk of infertility, fertility coverage for military personnel and more. Listen to the Episode
Billing for E/M Visits
When billing Evaluation & Management (E/M) visits based on medical decision-making, would we View the Answer
How to Spot Endometriosis in 10 Minutes!
Learn how to identify endometriosis in patients within 10 minutes by gathering thorough menstrual history, spotting GI symptoms, and building a support team. View the ASRMed Talk Video
Journal Club Global: Actualidad En Tratamientos De Fertilidad Para Pacientes Con Endometriosis
Live in Spanish from the 2024 Peruvian Fertility Society Meeting - Lima, Peru View the Video
Exclusion of IVF services due to Z31.83
My wife and I have been seeking IVF treatment and this year coverage was added to my benefits for infertility treatment (up to $25,000). View the Answer
Coding for aspiration of hydrosalpinx and endometrioma
Surgery was performed under anesthesia for Aspiration of right hydrosalpinx fluid and right endometrioma. Which CPT code would be best to use? View the Answer
IVF coverage denied for Z31.83 diagnosis code
My wife and I have been seeking IVF treatment and coverage was added for infertility treatment (up to $25,000) but our insurer keeps denying it. View the Answer
Medication Administration
Is CPT code 96402 applicable to a Depo-Lupron or Zoladex injection by nurse at REI practice, even if there is no diagnosis of cancer? View the Answer
Endometriosis and Infertility
For treatment like IVF would we bill with N97.x first or an endometriosis diagnosis? View the Answer
Excision Ovarian Endometrioma
What code is used for a laparoscopic excision of endometriosis and an ovarian excision of endometrioma with bilateral ureterolysis is performed. View the Answer
Endometriosis
A summary of common codes for Endometriosis compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee View the Coding Summary
Drs. Camran, Farr, and Ceana Nezhat Travel Scholar Award for Endometriosis
The objective of this award is to provide any trainee whose abstract submission focuses on endometriosis to expand their experience in the field. View the Award Information
Journal Club Global: Surgical management of endometriosis in women diagnosed with infertility (Spanish language)
Fertility and Sterility is excited to partner with our global professional colleagues to begin broadcasting regular Journal Club Global events in Spanish.
View the Video
Journal Club Global: Non-invasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis
One of the most exciting developments in the field of endometriosis is the push towards earlier and less invasive approaches to diagnosis. View the Video
Journal Club Global - Does the Endometrium Play a Major Role in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility
This will be a virtual event in the style of the "Fertile Battle" debate that took place at the 2019 SREI Fellows Symposium View the Video
Feb 2023: New Endometriosis and Isthmocele Codes
On June 9, 2022 the CDC issued updates to the ICD-10-CM code set reflecting more than 1,400 changes to your diagnosis coding options. View the Letter
Best practices of ASRM and ESHRE: a journey through reproductive medicine (2012)
ASRM and ESHRE are the two largest societies in the world whose members comprise the major experts and professionals working in reproductive medicine. View the Committee Joint Guideline
Endometriosis and infertility: a committee opinion (2012)
Women with endometriosis typically present with pelvic pain, infertility, or an adnexal mass, and may require surgery. View the Committee Opinion
Endometriosis Special Interest Group (EndoSIG)
The mission of the Endometriosis Special Interest Group (EndoSIG) is to further the goals of the ASRM by fostering increased interest in the biology, pathophysiology and clinical management of endometriosis. Learn more about the EndoSIGTopic Resources
View more on the topic of access to care
Advocacy in Action: March 2025
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in Action
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Oversight: Lessons for the United States from Abroad
A comprehensive analysis of global Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations, comparing policies, accessibility, and ethical considerations in various countries. View the advocacy resource
Advocacy in Action: February 2025
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in Action
Advocacy in Action: January 2025
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in Action
Key Policy Updates from the Office of Public Affairs
President Biden signs the FY25 NDAA, addressing military fertility care and reproductive health but sparking debate over IVF access and gender-affirming care policies.
Advocacy in Action: December 2024
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in Action
Advocacy in Action: November 2024
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. Read about Advocacy in Action
ASRM Hosts Briefing on New Fertility Benefits for Members of Congress and Congressional Staff
ASRM hosts a Capitol Hill briefing to raise awareness of new fertility benefits for Congress members and staff, highlighting expanded coverage for IVF and fertility treatments.
View the Press Release
ASRM Announces FY25 Patient Advocacy Grant Awardees
Congratulations to the Newest Grant Recipients! View more information about the patient advocacy grant
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
Ethical considerations for telemedical delivery of fertility care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Telemedicine has the potential to increase access to and decrease the cost of care. View the Committee Opinion
Alabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos are “Unborn Children” and admonishes IVF’s “Wild West” treatment
Legally Speaking™ on presenting facts and reflecting on the impact and potential implications of legal developments in ART. View the Column
Cross-border reproductive care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Cross-border reproductive care is a growing worldwide phenomenon, raising questions about why assisted reproductive technology patients travel for care. View the Ethics Committee Document
Reproductive and infertility care in times of public health crises: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Public health crises often require a framework shift in which patient autonomy is balanced with the need to safeguard the health of the community. View the Committee opinion
Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
In the United States, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, and other disparities prevent access to fertility treatment and affect treatment outcomes. View the Committee Opinion
Access to fertility treatment irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
Individuals and couples should have access to fertility services irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. View the Committee Opinion
Exploring Access to Care for Marginalized Communities Course
Enhance your skills and contribute to reducing healthcare disparities for marginalized communities. Learn more about the Exploring Access to Care for Marginalized Communities Course
Access to Care Special Interest Group (ATCSIG)
The Access To Care Special Interest Group's purpose is to foster the growth of knowledge among the ASRM membership and the medical community regarding the unmet needs that exist today in access to reproductive care Learn more about the Special Interest Group
Patient Advocacy Grant
The ASRM Patient Advocacy Grants Program awards funds to patient advocacy organizations to support advocacy efforts and educational programs for patients. View more information about the patient advocacy grantTopic Resources
View more on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Caring for Black Women Seeking Fertility Treatment: Challenges, Stigma, and Hope
Celebrating Black History Month, we honor Black women facing unique medical, societal, and cultural challenges throughout their personal infertility journeys. Read more here
SIG Spotlight: HD SIG
The ASRM HDSIG aims to reduce reproductive health disparities and improve outcomes for diverse racial and ethnic populations. Learn more about this special interest group!
ASRM Today: Industry Sponsored Episode: Importance of Equity in Fertility Care & FertilityEquity™ Module Launch
ASRM Today podcast discusses challenges in fertility care access for Black women, launching an e-learning module to address equity and support in reproductive healthcare. Listen to the Episode
ASRM Today: Equity, Access, and Innovation, Episode Nine: Reflections
Explore equity, access, and innovation in reproductive medicine through ASRM Today's journey this season, blending personal, political, and cultural insights. Listen to the Episode
Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
In the United States, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, and other disparities prevent access to fertility treatment and affect treatment outcomes. View the Committee Opinion
DEI Recommendations
ASRM is passionately committed to promoting diversity within both our membership and leadership, as well as to promoting access to quality reproductive care for all patients. View the DEI Committee Recommendation
