INCLUSIVE CONTRACEPTION: NAVIGATING GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

Abstract

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals, estimated to surpass 1.6 million in the United States alone, encounter significant disparities in accessing comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive services. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), pivotal in primary reproductive health care delivery, are uniquely positioned to address these disparities, particularly in underserved settings such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and rural areas. However, TGNC individuals face multifaceted barriers to general and reproductive healthcare, stemming from structural, interpersonal, and individual-level factors. These barriers include elevated rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reluctance to seek sexual and reproductive health services, and encounters with uninformed or unwelcoming providers. Furthermore, accessing care necessitates disclosing intimate details and potentially outing oneself, adding layers of complexity to an already challenging process. This review explores the unique healthcare needs of TGNC individuals, emphasizing the crucial role CNMs can play in mitigating disparities and fostering inclusive and affirming reproductive healthcare environments.