Fertility Preservation and Parenthood: Perspectives of Trans and Non-Binary Youth and Parents in Portugal

Abstract

(1) Background: Fertility preservation allows for trans and non-binary individuals to achieve parenthood using their own gametes. Considering that preservation of gametes can be performed at increasingly earlier ages, it is important to analyze both the attitudes of trans and non-binary youth and their parents towards available family formation options, including fertility preservation. We aimed to explore attitudes toward parenthood and fertility among trans and non-binary youth and parents of trans and non-binary youth. (2) Methods: A questionnaire about fertility attitudes was administered to 33 adolescents and young adults and 27 parents. (3) Results: Trans and non-binary youth showed little interest in resorting to fertility preservation, and both parents and youth mentioned the lack of knowledge about this procedure as the main reason for not performing it. Parents were overall supportive of their children’s decisions, including the choice of different pathways to parenthood other than biological reproduction. (4) Discussion: Health providers should ensure that young trans and non-binary persons and their parents are aware of family formation options, including fertility preservation along with its impact in future genetic parenthood.