How does Sickle Cell Disease affect fertility and reproductive health?
When Black women in the United States already receive poorer maternal health care, it is vital to understand how Sickle Cell Disease affects fertility and reproductive health issues. Patients and health care providers should know the challenges they may face in order to provide and receive proper reproductive health care.
What you can learn:
- The fertility, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues and challenges individuals with Sickle Cell Disease face;
- Policies and processes that need your advocacy for change;
- How to improve access to overall reproductive health care; and
- Resources available for support.
Moderator | Speakers
Dr. Kim Smith-Whitley: A board-certified pediatric hematologist, Dr. Smith-Whitley focuses on research and clinical work centered on Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait. She’s passionate about addressing the needs of the Sickle Cell Community and developing therapies for this underserved patient population.
Teonna Woolford, Co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization, The Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive: As a Sickle Cell Warrior herself, Teonna knows very well the physical, mental, and emotional tolls Sickle Cell Disease can have on a person, but she’s not letting it define her or limit her life. Taking her experiences, she advocates for better health care to improve the lives of all Sickle Cell warriors.
Shamonica Wiggins, Sickle Cell Warrior, Advocate, and Mother: Shamonica was the creator and former CEO of nonprofit organization #BoldLipsForSickleCell. Her work led to her receiving the 2018 National Sickle Cell Advocate of the Year by Sickle Cell 101, and she continues to spread awareness. When she’s not on the frontlines being an advocate for Sickle Cell awareness, she’s on the sidelines of the soccer field, cheering on her 8-year-old daughter, Roree, her inspiration for strength.
Mariah J. Scott, M.S., M.P.H.: As an epidemiologist and Sickle Cell Warrior, Mariah is committed to furthering her research and educating the Sickle Cell community of the many health care disparities this cohort of individuals endure. She is also a passionate advocate and speaker for underrepresented issues related to the challenges and realities of living the disease or trait, including mental health, reproductive health, and social relationships.
