Genetic or Biological Trans Parenthood: Dream or Reality?

Abstract

All scientific studies on the subject of trans parenthood show that transsexualism of one of the parents has no negative effect on the development of the child. There are numerous arguments in favour of trans persons also having the right to reproduce. Many of the arguments against reproduction of trans persons can be adduced to society’s fear of transsexualism, to heteronormativity and ignorance of current technological possibilities. The demand, still common in many countries, that trans persons be sterilized as a precondition for a change in the civil register is discriminating and eugenic. Current medical practice limits itself to freezing sperm cells of trans women before beginning a hormone therapy for later use in the context of a homosexual relationship, as well as the insemination of donor semen in partners of trans men. The technology for using frozen ovarian tissue in trans men is not yet available. Here the only option is hormonal stimulation and vitrification of egg cells.