An Exploration of Infertility, Culture, Gender, and Large Body Size Among Latinx Women: An Intersectional Analysis of Their Experiences

This qualitative study explored the experiences of Latinx, larger-bodied women navigating infertility through an intersectional lens and phenomenological framework. The research question guiding our study is: What are the experiences of Latinx, female-identifying, larger-bodied individuals with fertility challenges? Participants described forms of oppression in medical and cultural systems and weight-based discrimination. Findings revealed two primary themes that provide insight into participants’ lived experiences at the distinctive juncture of these identities: institutional primary-level oppression and secondary-level oppression. The study underscores that counseling from an intersectional lens means creating spaces where all aspects of identity are considered; an intersectional approach highlights how systemic oppression contributes to client distress and helps counselors more fully support client healing.