Why Clinical Trials Need More Black Women—And How You Can Help

Sis, Let’s Talk About Clinical Trials

I know—when we hear “clinical trials,” a lot of us side-eye the whole idea. Medical research hasn’t always had our best interests at heart (Tuskegee, Henrietta Lacks, we haven’t forgotten). But here’s the thing: when we’re left out of clinical trials, the treatments being tested aren’t designed with us in mind.

That’s exactly why your participation matters. Black women face unique health challenges—higher rates of fibroids, endometriosis, heart disease, and more—but if we’re not included in medical research, the solutions won’t be built for us.

I want to introduce you to Barbara, a member who found out just how important this issue is—and how Health In Her HUE (HIHH) helped her take charge of her health.

Barbara’s Story: How HIHH Helped

Barbara, a 35-year-old woman from Chicago, had been battling fibroids for years. Heavy bleeding, constant fatigue, and doctors who kept pushing hysterectomies instead of giving her real options. She felt stuck—until she came across an HIHH article on clinical trials while scrolling Instagram.

That post led her to the HIHH Clinical Trial Resource Hub, where she found a study testing a new non-surgical treatment for fibroids. She connected with an HIHH-listed doctor, who actually took the time to explain all her options.

Now, she’s participating in the trial, feeling better, and advocating for other Black women to explore clinical research. Her experience is shaping future treatments for Black women with fibroids.

Why Black Women Need to Be in Clinical Trials

💊 Better Treatments for Us: Without Black women in studies, treatments are mostly tested on white bodies, which means they may not work as well for us.

🩺 Access to Cutting-Edge Medicine: Many trials provide free or low-cost access to the latest treatments before they hit the market.

📖 Contributing to Medical Knowledge: Your participation helps future Black women get the care they deserve—because the data will finally reflect our bodies.

✅ Check out the HIHH Clinical Community Forum to explore opportunities and find trials that center Black women’s health.

How to Get Involved in Clinical Trials

🔹 Educate Yourself – Learn how trials work and what your rights are. ClinicalTrials.gov is a good place to start.

🔹 Talk to Your Doctor – Ask if there are trials related to your condition. Use the HIHH Provider Directory to find a culturally competent doctor.

🔹 Find a Trial That Fits You – Some studies focus on common issues like PCOS, PMDD, and fibroids—not just life-threatening conditions.

🔹 Join a Support Group – Connect with other Black women participating in trials through the HIHH Online Community for advice and encouragement.

✅ Find a clinical trial through HIHH and take control of your health.

Overcoming Barriers & Mistrust

We know why some of us hesitate:

❌ Medical mistrust is real—but many trials now have strict ethical protections to prevent past injustices.
❌ Lack of information—many of us don’t even know trials exist for conditions we deal with daily.
❌ Accessibility—some trials don’t recruit in Black communities. That’s why we need to show up and demand inclusion.

When we show up for these studies, we shape the future of medicine.

Final Thoughts: Your Health, Your Power

Sis, clinical trials affect everything from the medications we take to the way doctors treat our pain. If we’re not in the research, the results don’t work for us.

🌟 Be informed. Get involved. Demand better.

✅ Explore clinical trials and find culturally competent doctors through HIHH.

Your voice and your participation can literally save lives—yours and future generations. 💛✊🏾