Existing evidence suggests that transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) individuals face significant barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care, just as they face barriers in accessing general health care, due to experiences unique to their gender identities. High rates of discrimination, denials of care, and limited provider knowledge often lead to TGE individuals experiencing delays in care and receiving inaccurate health information. Little is known about the SRH needs, preferences, and experiences of TGE individuals, but preliminary evidence suggests that when SRH services are accessed, the quality of care is often low.
In collaboration with a team of diverse, multi-disciplinary partners, Ibis is leading a multi-phase project to fill this gap in understanding and offer recommendations for creating higher-quality, gender-affirming sexual and reproductive health care for TGE individuals in the United States. This research will examine the perception versus risk of unintended pregnancy among TGE populations; identify barriers and facilitators to accessing SRH services; and describe the needs and preferences for contraception and abortion care among TGE communities. Our nationwide findings will be translated into high-quality, community-informed, patient education materials, and clinical care guidelines for SRH care that center the needs and experiences of TGE individuals. We believe that building inclusion and acceptance of TGE individuals in the health-care setting can inspire increased inclusion and acceptance in broader social settings.