Understanding Trans Healthcare and Family-Making Challenges

For many trans and non-binary people, the journey toward family-making has often been filled with uncertainty - from the impact of medical transition on fertility to navigating healthcare systems not always built with inclusivity in mind. Access to trans healthcare that is informed, inclusive, and supportive is essential for making these choices possible.

A new first-of-its-kind report by London Women’s Clinic, recently featured in DIVA Magazine, offers a hopeful and evidence-based perspective on what’s possible. The study analyses the experiences of 64 trans individuals over more than a decade.

What the data shows

The report found that trans and non-binary people are successfully using the full spectrum of assisted reproduction options, including IVF, IUI, donor gametes and occasionally, surrogacy. IVF, in particular, notably overperformed IUI.

Crucially, London Women’s Clinic approach emphasised inclusive and legally informed care, ensuring that every patient’s rights and family structures were respected within the UK’s well-defined legal framework. In the 14 years of study, there were no reported legal complications in any of the family formations, a testament to both ethical clarity and clinical excellence.

The Importance of Fertility Preservation for Trans+ Individuals

For trans+ individuals, access to accurate fertility information and supportive trans healthcare can be life-changing. Many face the fear that transitioning might permanently close the door to parenthood. This report shows that’s not the case and that fertility preservation, like egg freezing, is a vital tool for choice and empowerment.

As Dr. Kamal Ahuja, LWC’s Scientific and Managing Director, shared in the DIVA feature:

“Our study helps clarify the legal framework and shows that family formation for trans+ patients is not only feasible but effective.”

What This Means for the Future of Trans Healthcare

Beyond the clinical outcomes, this report signals a cultural shift. It demonstrates how far assisted reproduction has come, not only in technology but in understanding the diverse ways families can be formed.

Dr. Ahuja also highlighted the impact of fertility preservation:

“In many countries, there’s no legal framework. Therefore, questions about the care of the child born may create complications later on. In the UK, we are very fortunate that the lines of accountability, both for providers of the services, as well as the consumers, are very clearly defined. As a consequence, in the 14 years that we have reported in this study, 64 people have been amazed that it has all been free from any complications.”

For a community that has long been under-researched, this data fills critical gaps and provides the foundation for more inclusive trans healthcare policies and informed decision-making.

You can read Nic Crosara’s full article in DIVA Magazine here and access the full research report at rbmojournal.com.

Let’s continue to celebrate research that recognises, represents and empowers every path to parenthood, and highlights the importance of inclusive, accessible trans healthcare.