Fertility treatment for the transgender community: a public opinion study

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to evaluate public opinion regarding fertility treatment and gamete cryopreservation for transgender individuals and identify how support varies by demographic characteristics. Methods: This is a cross-sectional web-based survey study completed by a representative sample of 1111 US residents aged 18–75 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of support for/opposition to fertility treatments for transgender people by demographic characteristics, adjusting a priori for age, gender, race, and having a biological child. Results: Of 1336 people recruited, 1111 (83.2%) agreed to participate, and 986 (88.7%) completed the survey. Most respondents (76.2%) agreed that “Doctors should be able to help transgender people have biological children.” Atheists/agnostics were more likely to be in support (88.5%) than Christian–Protestants (72.4%; OR = 3.10, CI = 1.37–7.02), as were younger respondents, sexual minorities, those divorced/widowed, Democrats, and non-parents. Respondents who did not know a gay person (10.0%; OR = 0.20, CI = 0.09–0.42) or only knew a gay person without children (41.4%; OR = 0.29, CI = 0.17–0.50) were more often opposed than those who knew a gay parent (48.7%). No differences in gender, geography, education, or income were observed. A smaller majority of respondents supported doctors helping transgender minors preserve gametes before transitioning (60.6%) or helping transgender men carry pregnancies (60.1%). Conclusions: Most respondents who support assisted and third-party reproduction also support such interventions to help transgender people have children.