A trans man living in Texas may choose to conceal his transgender status to coworkers, friends and even in-laws to protect himself from violence and gender dysphoria. As his abdomen grows due to a pregnancy for which he can no longer legally get an abortion, however, keeping identity private in public spaces may become next to impossible.
The abortion ban in Texas imposes the burden of pregnancy - and with it, the burden of potential dysphoria, being outed or violence - on trans and gender nonconforming individuals without viable alternative choices.
Though the attack on reproductive rights has been taken up as a women's issue by advocates and the media, Northwestern University experts say the legislation imposes a heavy burden on trans people and could set the groundwork for additional restrictions on decisions people can make about their bodies.
Northwestern scientists warn excluding this already-marginalized group from the conversation increases barriers transgender people encounter when trying to access abortions and explain why the bill will take a special toll on trans and gender nonconforming individuals.
Experts include:
- Dr. Angela Chaudhari, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, chief of gynecology and gynecologic surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Dr. Cassing Hammond, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, director of Northwestern Center for Complex Family Planning, Feinberg School of Medicine
- Ricky Hill, research assistant professor at the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine
- Chris Barcelos, fellow, Northwestern University Center for Applied Trans Studies, assistant professor of women's, gender and sexuality studies
