Implications of Roe v Wade Decision for Trans Men
The whole country is reeling from the leaked Alito decision indicating that Roe v Wade will
soon be overturned. The death of Roe will likely have long-reaching repercussions for many in
the LGBTQ+ community, perhaps trans men most of all.
Trauma for Transgender Men
The idea of a culture advocating forced birth is difficult for trans men who may already struggle
with possessing a uterus. What will happen if trans men lose access to birth control or elective
hysterectomies? Will people lose access to hormone therapy? Will they be excluded from
discussions about reproductive health and how the loss of Roe will impact them?
It is not unreasonable to assume that gender and body dysmorphia will be aggravated when
people are being defined exclusively by whether they possess a uterus. Mental health will suffer
if trans people are denied hormone therapy and other important gender affirming health care.
The Loss of Precedent
The erasing of 50 years of precedent will potentially open the floodgates to odious new
legislation regarding right to privacy issues. Trans and gay rights will suffer, and legal
protections based on gender and sexuality may be lost. Job and housing discrimination, adoption,
and medical care could all be on the table.
How to Protect Yourself
From a practical perspective, what can you do to protect yourself in the face of an uncertain
future? First, stock up on birth control, emergency contraception, or get a more permanent form
of birth control like an IUD.
Ensure that you have a support system in place. If therapy isn’t realistic for you, you can still
take advantage of the many trans resources available. See
https://www.glaad.org/transgender/resources for an exhaustive list of supports available to you
nationwide.
It may be wise to consider taking legal precautions such as getting general power of attorney if
you are in a same sex marriage. If gay marriage is attacked next, at least you and your spouse
would be able to make financial and medical decisions for each other.
The ACLU is an excellent resource for legal questions and will always have the most current
information about your rights. Go to https://www.aclu.org/ to get up to date news and resources.
What’s Next
Take steps now to protect yourself and your mental health as we move closer to an uncertain
future. It might be dark and difficult, but never forget that there many people ready and willing
to fight for your rights. You are not alone.