How Political Battles Over Gender Definitions Could Impact Your Fertility Journey

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min

Imagine this: You're navigating the already complex and emotional path of fertility with the hope of starting a family. Now, add to that the uncertainty of shifting government policies that redefine gender so rigidly that they inadvertently undermine access to crucial reproductive health services. This is not just a hypothetical scenario but a real issue highlighted in The New Yorker’s recent article 'Donald Trump’s War on Gender Is Also a War on Government.'

Paisley Currah’s analysis reveals how the Trump administration’s narrow, binary definitions of sex across federal agencies led to an erosion of the administrative state’s capacity to protect and serve the public — including in the realm of reproductive health. For individuals and couples relying on innovative fertility solutions, such political interference can have surprising and wide-reaching consequences.

Why Does Gender Definition Matter in Fertility?

Fertility care is no longer a one-size-fits-all service. With advances in technology and the rise of inclusive reproductive options, a growing number of people—including LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents by choice, and those with fertility challenges—use at-home insemination kits and other assisted reproductive technologies. These options provide privacy, flexibility, and often, a more affordable path to conception.

However, when government policies enforce rigid and outdated gender binaries (male/female only), they often fail to recognize the diverse family-building journeys people undertake. This can affect funding, healthcare regulations, and insurance coverage for fertility treatments, including at-home insemination options offered by companies like MakeAMom.

The Data Speaks: Impact on Access and Innovation

According to MakeAMom’s internal data, their at-home insemination kits boast a success rate as high as 67% — an impressive figure compared to many clinical assisted reproductive technologies. The kits cater to specific challenges:

CryoBaby: Optimized for low volume or frozen sperm
Impregnator: Designed for low motility sperm
BabyMaker: Ideal for users with sensitivities or conditions such as vaginismus

These reusable, discreet kits offer cost-effective alternatives, empowering people to take control of their fertility without depending solely on medical institutions. But when policy environments restrict recognition of diverse gender identities, they risk limiting accessibility and innovation in these very technologies.

What’s at Stake?

Insurance and Funding: Many insurance policies and federal funding programs still hinge on traditional gender definitions, potentially excluding non-cisgender individuals from coverage.
Healthcare Provider Training: If healthcare regulations are based on outdated gender models, providers might lack the resources or training to support all fertility patients effectively.
Research and Development: Innovation could stall if policies restrict who is acknowledged as eligible for services or research participation.

What Can You Do?

Being informed about the intersection of politics and fertility care is crucial. It’s also important to advocate for inclusive language and policies that reflect the spectrum of family-building experiences in today’s world. When choosing fertility aids, consider providers that prioritize inclusivity and user-focused innovation.

MakeAMom’s approach exemplifies this by offering customizable kits suited for a broad range of fertility needs without requiring clinical settings or exposing users to stigma. Their discreet packaging and reusable designs underscore a commitment to privacy and sustainability—values that resonate in a world where political interference threatens accessibility.

Looking Forward

The fight over gender definitions in public policy is more than a political debate—it has tangible effects on millions seeking to create families. Your fertility journey deserves acknowledgment beyond binaries, recognizing the complexity of identity and science.

To explore inclusive and effective fertility solutions, check out MakeAMom’s advanced at-home insemination kits, which continue to support a diverse community navigating conception on their own terms.

For a deeper dive into how government policies on gender affect reproductive health, read the full article by The New Yorker here: Donald Trump’s War on Gender Is Also a War on Government.

Your family-building path is unique. Understanding the broader landscape empowers you to make choices aligned with your needs and values. How do you see political policy shaping your fertility options? Share your experiences and thoughts below—let’s start a vital conversation.