Trans Women, Uterine Transplants, and “Biological Difference” In the USA: Notes from the Field

Although transgender women have increasingly expressed interest in uterine transplants as a means of pregnancy and gender-affirmation, the 2013 Montreal Code excludes them from consideration due - in part - to their perceived biological difference. Based on data from 54 semi-structured interviews, I examine how the regulation of uterine transplants in the USA reinforces dominant beliefs about sex/gender and the regulation of trans women in other domains (i.e. custody and adoption). I also discuss access to uterine transplants through the lens of reproductive justice, including its implications for not only trans women but also cisgender women and people of diverse gender backgrounds.