The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Sickle cell disease creates barriers for men and women to access fertility treatments

Farrah Anderson and Sydney Wood
 
Phillip Sanders, a sickle cell patient in Arkansas, sought out fertility treatment after he and his wife were unable to get pregnant without help. The treatment was not covered by their health insurance. Some research studies have shown sickle cell disease can affect the fertility of male patients.

Phillip Sanders, a sickle cell patient in Arkansas, sought out fertility treatment after he and his wife were unable to get pregnant without help. The treatment was not covered by their health insurance. Some research studies have shown sickle cell disease can affect the fertility of male patients. Jessica Eli/Side Effects Public Media

Listen (Duration: 9:56)
Download

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • A new report highlights the mountain of work ahead to make banking in Illinois more racially equitable.
  • There’s less than a week until the primary election, and the newly drawn 13th Congressional district is Democratic-leaning, but far from decided.
  • Conservative gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is feeling optimistic about his campaign.

In today's deep dive, we'll hear how sickle cell disease can affect fertility in both men and women and how many find they are unable to access fertility treatments to have children.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Harrison Malkin and Farah Yousry.