The Black women who choose to have children on their own: ‘We’re going in eyes open’
Summary
More Black women are choosing to become single mothers by choice, using methods like IVF, sperm donation, and adoption. These women often face unique challenges, including limited access to Black and brown sperm donors and experiences of discrimination in healthcare, but find support through community groups.Key Facts
- Chamise Alston, a Black woman from Maryland, became a single mom through IVF by selecting a sperm donor.
- Single mothers by choice (SMBC) are usually financially stable, educated women in their late 30s.
- Black SMBCs face extra challenges such as fewer Black/brown sperm donors and discrimination from hospital staff.
- Many Black single moms build strong support networks including family, friends, and groups like Mocha Moms Inc and Single Mothers by Choice.
- Jennifer Cruz, an Afro-Latina educator and board member of Single Mothers by Choice, encourages women of color to pursue solo motherhood.
- Single Mothers by Choice is a national organization with roughly 15,000 Facebook followers and local meetups.
- Women who choose this path say they do not need a partner to create a loving family.
- These women are changing how society views single motherhood by choice, especially among Black women.
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