--- title: "Race, PCOS, and Reproductive Justice" date: 2025-08-29T12:23:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/race-pcos-and-reproductive-justice" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Race, PCOS, and Reproductive Justice Around 5 million women of reproductive age have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Black women are disproportionately affected by the condition. In this article, senior policy analyst Krystal Leaphart argues that PCOS is a reproductive justice issue. The racism, sexism, and overall stress and trauma that Black women face affects our health. This contributes to higher rates of PCOS as well as infertility and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Structural and systemic inequalities also affect how Black women treat PCOS and whether we’re even diagnosed correctly. Racism can hinder Black women from accessing resources, such as fresh food, that could help treat symptoms of PCOS. In the medical system, it can result in delayed diagnoses as Black women’s concerns are ignored or dismissed. Leaphart calls for greater attention to Black women’s experiences of PCOS, with a reproductive justice approach. When it comes to PCOS, legislation can both help and harm Black women. Abortion restrictions can contribute to increased surveillance and criminalization because of inconsistent menstrual cycles. What we need is more funding for research, screenings, and training for health care professionals. Organizations like PCOS Awareness Association and PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association and the Congressional Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Caucus are making progress in this regard. > PCOS does not affect all populations equally, and data have shown that it hits Black women especially hard. According to the data, when compared to the general population of women of all races who have PCOS, Black women with PCOS experience higher rates of infertility, obesity, and insulin resistance, as well as a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, which could lead to high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. *The condition formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in 2026. This change recognizes the condition as a whole-body syndrome rather than focusing on ovarian cysts as its distinct marker.* [Read the full article ](https://tcf.org/content/commentary/why-black-women-need-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-to-be-treated-as-a-reproductive-justice-issue/) SOURCE: The Century Foundation • AUTHOR: Krystal Leaphart • LAST UPDATED: November 14, 2024 ![A woman lays on a bed holding her stomach](data:image/png;base64,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) Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health) - [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions) - [ women's heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/womens-heart-health) - [ race, class & heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/race-class-heart-health) - [ taking care of our hearts](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-hearts) - [PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pmos) - [racism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/racism) - [reproductive justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-justice) - [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american) - [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities) - [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain) - [heart disease risk factors](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease-risk-factors) - [abortion restrictions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/abortion-restrictions) - [health justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-justice) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesWatch ## Does Race Impact Our Experiences of PCOS? A panel of experts, all women of color, discusses polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; now called PMOS) and how race and racism can make it harder to access healthcare. ![PCOS at the Intersections Does Race Impact Our Experiences of PCOS scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A panel of experts, all women of color, discusses polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; now called PMOS) and how race and racism can make it harder to access healthcare.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/does-race-impact-pcos) [ResourcesRead ## SisterSong on Reproductive Justice An overview of reproductive justice from SisterSong, also known as the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. ![28632544401_8030293540_o](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAENklEQVRIiVWWwXLsOg5DDyAl739nM6v575ekBcyCcudel6vTXXYIASRB6n///Q8Q+Vgv+7XWt9f38tda/9pf1pf1JX3TH3GatDT0KFGiHJJmrp72pK/yglcJbBACAUJ6foq5dJ8hiUoSBear5k0J3Z/qE6BYbdnYN7SFjI08X2RLliVhEBU1FDAKUudwEhFyTd22uACUzdqdk9r3XutGt/VAWCxKG9RKEcyZz0PCalFXS6ENuGzWB6Lzks1asrUuwC8KtaAVaYMih0QyShU5TeWquHUJtOx+fDyyvRl4MAZiSUtUQM9VIEx0h4SkTdO2StWmNQyTzf7kkUiW3uI8ABZLqigVfaqoNCT3M2nbpG1K2kIKdPPx+Vs5fnK75HvN8YWABtr0Ykz0i9TOkyHYJxHd2p+derMk29K6oW0vK3N8AczJ+xeDDo/eJ+38KNDC1seVSNJIdJV5EhBfBvoFKG8S+VXsMmBovAH2p6ACqVL/PLtVK7oCSiNRyxvg+Uz4K/gvxF5rl3eZCqlW7VjrF0CII0xzT/Y3Rvqr0vMHKN1rbSC319V3XHuiLz8MIMIT+gI8ML5gvxelLeztXbCIdIbEBVA1MDxug7hOBNDqMvgjDX8ADIm9ZUTReSxrkhGpciYxT6s/VocorcaZHoDpg2mDhwT7QwYqjKy3Faq4UlDQevwyb5MFaTAKBUFrddp5HrRV92enwGXh68dqlZJyxEKteq2ZcrXS8KBSqZoWlQSm4QfjDdCDXlShphO9WiWtHmOedhy3/h0PLYAS3E67ZBJV2J8pEDjC839QOLDImSnh9hbQ6CNP47fPPHJBTS4xjV1T9j8nfQAUYTXEfllrycVFtVwBvhPOc49wYzqdeoDcxKtQ9ufrDIPXjEAr4rh76VXb1eq8Sq1W5s6f4qmHW7GlkFuxCmpL9z8/p7eDkKkU6+WsyLaX3cq8YVRLtbA0PEbTBqWU5KmQFro/v38qMuxFxLG2tcZTY2VpQYthzTTHtmHpVvSYOGlSp0n0WOwFOHdrIOJlbXstLVtraZeUrIl+89sYW8PgOW/qk+QZQcnDAA637o7Z0lpXH+2QsGfCTkNKS46lSPoFSDvinAtATtv98fXTkVJEbLOsZa9lLSvRehaoydWC8qR6qmgA0kQnOlHSM0ta9v73u+Ni4oitSYC87L10wkdva/TWvSrWjCdcRJso1ekADInmNNn766dXH45YM/yXvawTfUzxiNJnAZolYEgMA6Xv4/MKJ5zTkWh//wSYStWztbz1meE95a4FmXs89ppSy2UQXuWEV3pJZPv7NR78Pr4sLWkvtXcvlNHCBy0cnZFsHPLmQKecKuGUE0560mb75zXt7We385pOmsjmZRzW4SwcTlEki5kUqG1+Hfjx4VtXWyfAM7VQn5X6TrewpuZuFJ6Nhxm6PO74tMK82WcF+z/aCkaLIuq4wgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) An overview of reproductive justice from SisterSong, also known as the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/sistersong-on-reproductive-justice) [Where We StandRead ## Why Reproductive Justice Is Central to Our Perspective Reproductive Justice is the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy. It is the right to have children, to not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. ![A Black woman wearing a shirt that reads "Bans Off Our Bodies" speaks at a podium.](data:image/png;base64,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) Reproductive Justice is the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy. It is the right to have children, to not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-reproductive-justice) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3) [ResourcesRead ## Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS (known as PCOS until 2026) is a very common ovulation disorder. It can affect our whole bodies and many aspects of health throughout our entire lives.1 ![A cartoon drawing of a uterus holding on to ovaries.](data:image/png;base64,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) Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS (known as PCOS until 2026) is a very common ovulation disorder. It can affect our whole bodies and many aspects of health throughout our entire lives.1](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pmos)