Reproductive justice and accessible fertility counseling.
Reproductive justice and accessible fertility counseling.
Sarah, a trans woman, visits a primary care provider to discuss fertility options.
Hi, I was hoping to discuss my ability to have children in the future.
We can certainly discuss that today. Is there anything in particular that is concerning you or you may have questions about?
Yes, I'm transgender, and I'll be starting hormone therapy soon. I am interested in exploring options for preserving my fertility before that starts.
Thank you for bringing this up, Sarah. I appreciate your openness. Preserving fertility is an important consideration. Before we discuss the available options, I’d love to hear more about your goals and any thoughts you have regarding fertility preservation.
I’d like to hear all the options, but I’ve done some research and I'm leaning towards sperm freezing.
*The provider engages in a discussion with Sarah about fertility preservation methods including sperm freezing, and the potential implications, risks, and success rates associated with each option* Do you have any questions about what we just talked about?
No, that is pretty consistent with what I read. However, I'm concerned about the cost. Is there any financial assistance available?
I understand your concerns, Sarah. Cost can be a significant barrier. I have a colleague who may know of some resources and programs that could provide financial assistance. Is it okay to message you through your patient portal when I hear back from her, hopefully in the next week or so?
That would be great. I really appreciate it!
Things to consider.
By asking open ended questions and really listening to the patient, the provider acknowledges and explores the patient's goals and thoughts regarding fertility preservation, ensuring a patient-centered approach.
The provider demonstrates a commitment to addressing financial barriers by offering to seek information about financial assistance programs, prioritizing accessibility and reproductive justice principles. The provider does not promise anything before having the time to research, and lets the patient know it won’t be immediate, ensuring no unrealistic expectations are set that could damage the provider-patient relationship.
How can health care providers actively incorporate reproductive justice principles into their patient interactions?
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