Given the ever-increasing multicultural diversity in the landscape of the United States, the provision of culturally competent and sensitive practice is vital. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of how culture influences how individuals view children, fertility, and the causes of infertility and how couples seek help and cope with the challenges of infertility. By increasing their knowledge in this area, practitioners can develop greater cultural sensitivity, promote rapport and trust among practitioners and clients, and reduce the possibility of early termination of services. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Define infertility and other terms associated with infertility.
2. Discuss the scope of infertility among women in the United States and worldwide.
3. Identify culture, race, and ethnicity, and outline demographic trends of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
4. Explain the medicalization of infertility.
5. Describe the cultural values of womanhood, family, and having children and how this affects the social construction of infertility.
6. Discuss how various cultural groups ascribe meaning to infertility and fertility.
7. Describe different help-seeking patterns in response to infertility.
8. Identify psychologic and social consequences of infertility and how culture influences coping patterns.
9. Evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in infertility treatment.
10. Discuss best practice guidelines for assessments and interventions for couples who are experiencing infertility.
This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.
