Brittany M Charlton1,2,3,4, Colleen A Reynolds1,4, Ariella R Tabaac1,2, Eli G Godwin1,5, Lauren M Porsch6, Madina Agénor7,8,9, Frances W Grimstad10,11, Sabra L Katz-Wise1,2,5. 1. Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. 3. Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 4. Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. 5. Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. 6. Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA. 7. Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA. 8. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 9. The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA. 10. Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 11. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Trans masculine people are more likely than cisgender peers to have a teen or unintended pregnancy, though little is known about the origins of these disparities. AIMS: This study aimed to describe teen and unintended pregnancy experiences among trans masculine people in order to elucidate risk factors and pregnancy-related needs. METHODS: As a part of the United States-based SexuaL Orientation, Gender Identity, and Pregnancy Experiences (SLOPE) study, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted between March 2017 and August 2018 with 10 trans masculine people, ages 20-59 years, who experienced a teen or unintended pregnancy. Audio-recorded interviews were professionally transcribed, then analyzed using immersion/crystallization and thematic analysis approaches. The themes were contextualized using sociodemographic survey data. RESULTS: The four themes that were developed from participants' narratives highlighted: 1) how trans masculine people navigated having a pregnant body (e.g., heightened gender dysphoria due to being pregnant); 2) the importance of the cultural environment in shaping experiences as a trans masculine pregnant person (e.g., pregnancy and gender-related job discrimination); 3) the development of the pregnancy over time (e.g., decision-making processes); and 4) how pregnancy (and gender identity) affected relationships with other people (e.g., adverse family of origin experiences). DISCUSSION: This study identified a number of risk factors for teen and unintended pregnancies among trans masculine people including physical and sexual abuse as well as ineffective use of contraception. This research also identifies unique needs of this population, including: relieving gender dysphoria, combating discrimination, and ensuring people feel visible and welcome, particularly in reproductive healthcare spaces. Public health practitioners, healthcare providers, and support networks (e.g., chosen family) can be key sources of support. Attention to risk factors, unique needs, and sources of support will improve reproductive healthcare and pregnancy experiences for trans masculine people.
BACKGROUND: Trans masculine people are more likely than cisgender peers to have a teen or unintended pregnancy, though little is known about the origins of these disparities. AIMS: This study aimed to describe teen and unintended pregnancy experiences among trans masculine people in order to elucidate risk factors and pregnancy-related needs. METHODS: As a part of the United States-based SexuaL Orientation, Gender Identity, and Pregnancy Experiences (SLOPE) study, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted between March 2017 and August 2018 with 10 trans masculine people, ages 20-59 years, who experienced a teen or unintended pregnancy. Audio-recorded interviews were professionally transcribed, then analyzed using immersion/crystallization and thematic analysis approaches. The themes were contextualized using sociodemographic survey data. RESULTS: The four themes that were developed from participants' narratives highlighted: 1) how trans masculine people navigated having a pregnant body (e.g., heightened gender dysphoria due to being pregnant); 2) the importance of the cultural environment in shaping experiences as a trans masculine pregnant person (e.g., pregnancy and gender-related job discrimination); 3) the development of the pregnancy over time (e.g., decision-making processes); and 4) how pregnancy (and gender identity) affected relationships with other people (e.g., adverse family of origin experiences). DISCUSSION: This study identified a number of risk factors for teen and unintended pregnancies among trans masculine people including physical and sexual abuse as well as ineffective use of contraception. This research also identifies unique needs of this population, including: relieving gender dysphoria, combating discrimination, and ensuring people feel visible and welcome, particularly in reproductive healthcare spaces. Public health practitioners, healthcare providers, and support networks (e.g., chosen family) can be key sources of support. Attention to risk factors, unique needs, and sources of support will improve reproductive healthcare and pregnancy experiences for trans masculine people.
Authors: Paul A Harris; Robert Taylor; Robert Thielke; Jonathon Payne; Nathaniel Gonzalez; Jose G Conde Journal: J Biomed Inform Date: 2008-09-30 Impact factor: 6.317
Authors: Frances W Grimstad; Kylie G Fowler; Erika P New; Cecile A Ferrando; Robert R Pollard; Graham Chapman; Veronica Gomez-Lobo; Meredith Gray Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2018-12-21 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Joseph E Potter; Amanda Jean Stevenson; Kate Coleman-Minahan; Kristine Hopkins; Kari White; Sarah E Baum; Daniel Grossman Journal: Contraception Date: 2019-03-07 Impact factor: 3.375