Addressing Fertility Preservation for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
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Date
2015Author
Fantus, Sophia
Gupta, Abha
Lorenzo, Armando
Brownsone, David
Maloney, Anne-Marie
Shaul, Randi Zlotnik
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**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are informed of their risk of sub-fertility and options for fertility preservation (FP) with the intention that, if possible, they are able to consider having biologically-related children after treatment. Previous research indicates that assumptions of heterosexuality are a prevalent experience in healthcare among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations.1,2 Accordingly, the widespread heterosexual bias among providers may frame conversations on reproduction among AYAs with cancer, implying that fertility is only possible within a heteronormative cisgender (a person who identifies with their assigned sex at birth) opposite-sex relationship.3 The purpose of this paper is to address the subpopulation of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) AYAs with cancer. The authors have intentionally chosen to focus on cisgender LGBs. Access to healthcare can be more stigmatizing and discriminatory for transgender populations than for cisgender sexual minorities;4 including transgender AYAs may indirectly promote comparisons to a cisgender norm. Thus, the unique experiences of the transgender community should be recognized independently. This paper will address issues of disclosure among LGB AYAs in healthcare and consider how providers can deliver informative FP options that are inclusive and respectful of LGB AYAs with cancer. The authors will draw on implications for healthcare practice and policy, and recommend strategies to enhance the applicability of educational materials and promote open and comprehensive practice.
note: Final publication is available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2014.0048