Male Pregnancy Research/Experimentation Should Be Embraced

There has been debate on whether it is acceptable for a person who was born as a male to become pregnant. Further, it would also be prudent to note that there has been the generally embraced viewpoint that only individuals with a womb can become pregnant. The male reproductive organs are, from a biological perspective, different from those of their female counterparts. However, not all individuals who were assigned as male at birth identify as male. There are also individuals who are assigned as females at birth, but end up identifying as male. Such individuals are recognized as transgender in the society. There is another group of women who are referred as cisgender (Lefevor 385). These are women who identify as men but do not move across genders. Such women are similar to transgender. The argument here is that there is nothing womanly about conception. There is no body part which is specifically gendered. If a persons body can gestate a fetus, then its up to them to make a baby if they wish to. Men who end up becoming transgenders move across genders by engaging in hormone therapy. This means that they end up having various characteristics including enlarged breasts, carrying a uterus, broadening of hips and having monthly periods.

There have been transgender individuals who report barriers in their efforts to access healthcare. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistshas in the past called upon obstetrician gynecologists to mitigate the barriers that transgenders experience in the society by assisting with gender transition (Light 1123). Transgender men are individuals who were assigned the female gender at birth, but later on end up identifying as men. These individuals may choose to keep their uterus and not continue with their testosterone therapy. Light argues that in The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there has been very little attention paid to the health and reproductive experiences of transgender men (1127).

To a large extent, engaging in male pregnancy research is one way of understanding transgender men experiences with fertility and pregnancy. It is important to note that at present, there is very little scientific research describing the experience of transgender with pregnancy (Light 1123). One advantage of research of this nature is that it will enable health care providers to evaluate pre and post transition discussions and their effect on fertility options. Health care providers will also be able to establish the role of cross sex hormones and potential birth outcomes of transgenders.

While it may seem like a novel idea in some quarters, there is need to note that there has indeed been some research conducted in this realm in the past. In one such study was, a team from Naval Medical University in Shanghai sought to explore on the possibility of male animals bearing children (Sentinel 22). The study made use of a male mouse as the sample - which was artificially fertilized. According to the scientists, the male mouse was able to conceive. Despite the research not being capable of elaborating the ramifications for human beings, it helped shed light on the subject or issue of whether the uterus could be transplanted into a transgender woman. Such research gives hope to transgenders who wish they could have their own children. The research had a profound impact on reproductive biology. In the normal human cultural setup and understanding, male pregnancy is an unusual occurrence. In the past, it has been deemed a taboo subject. As a matter of fact, even in the larger animal kingdom, male pregnancies are largely common among the Syngnathidae which is a fish family composed of seahorses, pipefishes, and sea dragons. Things are, however, changing. Changes in societal perspectives regarding male pregnancy are a clear indication that male pregnancy experimentation should be embraced (Warmflash 14). Advances made on the possibility of male pregnancies are of immense relevance...…pregnancy experimentation may not be embraced any time soon. The inability of the society to embrace male pregnancy experimentation is a drawback for many people. Preventing male pregnancy experimentation prevents rightful members of the society from experiencing the affection and connection one would ordinarily have with their child. Pregnancy, just like dress code, could be deemed an individual choice. Further, people have a right to affiliate themselves with whatever gender they fancy as long as their enjoyment of this right does not necessarily interfere with other peoples enjoyment of individual rights and liberties. Thus, in effect, this means that people who choose to get pregnant should have the right to do so despite their gender. Such persons should have access to the best services and the much needed psychological as well as physiological support. Male pregnancy research goes a long way in efforts to accomplish this feat.

In the final analysis, it would be prudent to note that in my opinion, technology has played a central role in the society and male pregnancy research is an aspect of technology that could come in handy in efforts to offer solutions to the diverse issues that trouble some sections of the society at present. Male pregnancy experimentation is an opportunity for transgender persons who wish to have children to have their dreams and wished granted in a safe and realistic manner. This is more so the case given that male pregnancy research provides key data to guide medical practitioners on diverse methodologies of the procedures involves, i.e. in relation to the conduction of uterus transplants, etc. Male pregnancy research and experimentation will significantly transform society. This is more so the case in relation to viewpoints about gender roles as well as responsibilities. As a matter of fact, it could be argued that the notion of equality could be advanced via the technology of male pregnancy. To even out the responsibilities of both genders, male pregnancy research…