Ann V. Bell

Ann V. Bell is a Professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware, with a joint appointment in Women & Gender Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, health, and reproduction, particularly examining disparities in reproductive health access and experiences shaped by social class, race, and ethnicity. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Michigan, an M.H.S. from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Her work critically explores topics such as contraceptive decision-making, infertility, and the sociocultural underpinnings of medicalization in reproductive health. Notably, she has analyzed how socioeconomic status influences diagnostic experiences and treatment-seeking behaviors in infertility cases, emphasizing the role of agency and fatalism in health outcomes. Dr. Bell also investigates provider-patient dynamics, particularly barriers to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and the limitations of patient-centered care.

Her recent publications highlight trends in U.S. infertility prevalence, the cultural intersections of contraception, and the impact of the pandemic on societal belonging and health. She serves as an editor for the Sociological Forum, a peer-reviewed journal, and her research has been featured in outlets like Gender & Society and Social Science & Medicine.

Dr. Bell’s contributions bridge medical sociology and gender studies, offering insights into systemic inequities in healthcare access and the lived experiences of marginalized groups. She advocates for policy reforms to address disparities in reproductive and maternal health.