“It’s Total Erasure”: Trans and Nonbinary Peoples’ Experiences of Cisnormativity Within Perinatal Care Services in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Transgender and nonbinary (trans) people can face unique barriers to accessing gender-inclusive perinatal care. The present study explored trans people’s experiences of perinatal care in Aotearoa New Zealand. A thematic analysis of 17 interviews with trans people and their whānau identified seven themes regarding the operation and impact of cisnormativity on participants’ family-building journeys. Findings indicate that cisnormativity manifests as an erasure of gender diversity and creates barriers to affirming and safe care. Importantly, participants’ constant negotiation of cisnormativity in perinatal care had enduring impacts on their well-being. Addressing cisnormativity is fundamental to securing trans reproductive justice.