The Illusion of a “Male Pregnancy”
A Reality Check on Truth, Mental Health, and the Dangerous Lies We Tell Ourselves
EXCLUSIVE:
'I'm the UK's first man to fall pregnant naturally - and I want more kids'
By Siobhan McNally Senior Features Writer
06:00, 9 Mar 2025 UPDATED07:16, 9 MAR 2025
REALITY:
A biological woman stops taking male hormones to conceive and carry a child. The media heralds this as groundbreaking, proclaiming that “two men” are having a baby. Yet, beneath this narrative lies an unchanging biological truth: only females possess the reproductive capacity to conceive and bear children. The individual in question, regardless of gender identity, was born female, possesses female reproductive organs, and had to cease testosterone therapy to restore fertility. This is not a defiance of biology but a reaffirmation of it.
This scenario reflects a broader societal trend where subjective identity is increasingly positioned to override objective reality. Such narratives not only distort fundamental truths but also risk undermining the shared understanding upon which societal cohesion depends.
The Line Between Private Choices and Public Narratives
It is essential to distinguish between personal autonomy and public discourse. Individuals have the right to make choices about their lives and bodies, including undergoing hormone therapy or surgeries to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. These personal decisions, when made by informed adults, warrant respect and privacy.
However, when personal choices are elevated to public narratives that challenge empirical realities, they invite scrutiny and debate. The assertion that “two men” are having a baby is not merely a personal declaration but a public statement that contradicts biological facts. Engaging critically with such claims is not an act of bigotry but a defense of objective truth.
Transgender Identity and Mental Health: Navigating Complex Realities
Gender dysphoria, characterized by a profound incongruence between one’s experienced gender and assigned sex at birth, is often accompanied by significant mental health challenges. Studies indicate that transgender individuals face elevated rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm, and suicide attempts. For instance, a systematic review found that 53.2% of individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria had at least one lifetime mental disorder, a prevalence substantially higher than that of the general population.
The relationship between gender dysphoria and mental health is complex and multifaceted. While societal stigma and discrimination contribute to psychological distress, it is also crucial to recognize and address the intrinsic mental health challenges within this population. Comprehensive mental health support is essential, encompassing both affirming care and the treatment of co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
The Impact of Gender-Affirming Interventions on Mental Health Outcomes
Gender-affirming treatments, including hormone therapy and surgeries, aim to align individuals’ physical characteristics with their gender identity, potentially alleviating gender dysphoria. Research on the mental health outcomes following such interventions presents mixed findings.
Some studies suggest that gender-affirming surgeries are associated with improved mental health outcomes. For example, a study published in JAMA Surgery found that individuals who underwent these procedures experienced reduced psychological distress and suicidal ideation.
Conversely, other research indicates persistent mental health challenges post-surgery. A study utilizing the TriNetX database reported that individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgery had a 12.12-fold higher risk of suicide attempts compared to those who did not undergo such procedures (3.47% vs. 0.29%).
These divergent findings underscore the need for nuanced, individualized approaches to care, recognizing that surgical interventions may not uniformly resolve underlying mental health issues.
The Role of Societal Acceptance and Support
The mental health of transgender individuals is significantly influenced by societal acceptance and support. Studies have shown that supportive environments, including access to gender-affirming care, are associated with lower prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts. For instance, transgender individuals who received the gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgical care they needed had lower prevalence of past-year suicide attempts compared to those who had not received the care they needed (5% vs. 9%).
Conversely, environments that are hostile or discriminatory towards transgender individuals can exacerbate mental health challenges. Research indicates that anti-transgender laws and policies are associated with increased suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth.
Upholding Objective Reality in Public Discourse
While respecting individual identities and experiences is paramount, it is equally important to maintain a commitment to objective reality in public discourse. The assertion that a biological female who conceives and carries a child is a “pregnant man” contradicts biological facts and risks confusing personal identity with empirical reality.
Engaging in honest, evidence-based discussions about gender identity, mental health, and societal narratives is essential for fostering understanding and developing effective support systems for all individuals.
In conclusion, while personal identities and experiences are deeply significant, they should not compel society to disregard objective truths. Balancing respect for individual autonomy with a commitment to empirical reality is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the integrity of public discourse.
Postscript: Full disclosure, per Grammarly, I wrote about 89% of this article. The other 11% was aided by ChatGPT for research I did not want to spend time on in the limited window that was available for me to put this op-ed together. The first link is to article I came across via Drudge Report, and the following links are those which were referenced for data included in my op-ed.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-uks-first-man-fall-34815064
Transitioning In LGBTQI Therapy - Leone Centre. https://www.leonecentre.com/glossary/transitioning-in-lgbtqi-therapy/
Psychological Exercises | Genz Writer. https://genzwriter.com/blog/psychological-exercises-2/page/2
Kelleci, M., & İnal, S. (2010). Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents with Internet Use: Comparison without Internet Use. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0026
How Bariatric Surgery Reduces the Risk of Obesity-Related Cancers - Blackrock WeightCare. https://blackrockweightcare.ie/blog/how-bariatric-surgery-reduces-the-risk-of-obesity-related-cancers/
Researchers find eating disorder trends that warrant increased screening - Health Tips, News and Reviews. http://news.healthtipsblog.net/2019/10/researchers-find-eating-disorder-trends.html
Access to gender-affirming care associated with lower suicide risk for transgender people - Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/ga-trans-suicide-press-release/
Access to gender-affirming care associated with lower suicide risk for transgender people - Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/ga-trans-suicide-press-release/