Choosing Single Motherhood: How Chicago Women Embrace the Joy of Motherhood through Assisted Reproductive Technology

Chicago, Illinois, has seen an increase in the number of women choosing to become single mothers through assisted reproductive technology. A recent report by ABC7 Chicago’s race and culture series, “Black Moms Rising,” explores this trend and the empowering decision that many women are making to take control of their birth story.

One such woman is Ashley Hunt, who saw her daughter as her dream and decided to become a mom through assisted reproductive technology. Despite the challenges and financial investment, Hunt describes the experience as euphoric. She is challenging negative stereotypes about what it means to be a single Black mom and embracing the joy of motherhood.

Between 2016 and 2022, the number of Black women using assisted reproductive technology nationally has more than doubled, with Cook County experiencing a 33% growth alone. Dr. Amanda Adeleye, one of four Black reproductive endocrinologists in Chicago, is opening a new fertility clinic to provide support for women building families on their own. She emphasizes that even though women may be going through the process solo, they are not alone.

Dr. Adeleye’s new clinic will provide a welcoming space for women seeking fertility treatments, offering both clinical and procedural options. The clinic’s location on Wacker Drive in Chicago is easily accessible, emphasizing inclusivity and support for all women. The growing number of women choosing to become single moms by choice reflects a shift in societal norms and a celebration of motherhood in all its forms.

Ashley Hunt’s journey to motherhood was filled with multiple cycles of fertility treatments that cost her $60,000. Despite the challenges and financial investment, Hunt describes the experience as euphoric. She is rewriting the stereotype of what it means to be a single Black mom by challenging negative stereotypes and embracing the joy of motherhood.

Between 2016 and 2022, there has been an increase in the number of Black women using assisted reproductive technology nationally, with Cook County experiencing a growth rate of 33%. Dr. Amanda Adeleye is opening a new fertility clinic in Chicago to provide support for these women building families on their own.

The growing trend towards single motherhood reflects a shift in societal norms towards celebrating motherhood in all its forms.

Dr. Adeleye’s new clinic will offer both clinical and procedural options for those seeking fertility treatments while emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for all women.

Ashley Hunt saw her daughter as her dream child after undergoing multiple cycles of fertility treatments that cost her $60