Planned Reproductive Options

For people who have a menstrual cycle, there are many forms of birth control that you may consider. We’re only looking at two here, but you can refer to the Resources section for more information.

Birth Control Pill

Birth control pills are an effective way of preventing pregnancy, but the effectiveness decreases if you do not take your pill every day at the same time. If you are taking any other medications, check with a health care practitioner or pharmacist to see if the effectiveness of the pill will be altered. Talk to a health care practitioner about your options for birth control, or to get a prescription for birth control pills.

IUS/IUD

An IUS/IUD  (intrauterine system or intrauterine device) is another effective form of birth control that can last for several years (length of time depends on the type you get). The IUS tends to reduce menstrual flow (an IUD does not), so this option may be particularly appealing to transmen who are not on testosterone. An IUS/IUD should only be inserted by a registered professional. Ask your health care practitioner about this option, and whether or not you will have to cover any costs (you shouldn’t have to pay for this option).

Adoption

As of 2002, same-sex couples are legally allowed to adopt in Manitoba. In order to adopt, you must be a resident of Manitoba, and at least 18 years old. Applying for adoption can be done either through a Child and Family Services Agency (mandatory if you are adopting a permanent ward), or through a licensed adoption agency.

Fostering

Sometimes children are unable to live with their families, whether due to parental death, illness, addictions, or inability to care for their children. Fostering involves providing a secondary home for a child, and can be short-term or long-term. Foster care generally involves a lot of negotiating among social workers and the child’s birth family.

Surrogacy

A surrogate is a person who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a child that they do not intend to parent, typically done for another person or partners. A traditional surrogate is someone who has their own egg fertilized, and a gestational surrogate is someone who carries the fertilized egg of another person—in other words, they have no biological relation to the child.

Choosing a Sperm Donor

If you are a woman or transman who wants to get pregnant, you may consider the option of a sperm donor. There are many factors to consider in choosing a donor, including whether you want to use a known or unknown donor. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and it will take time to consider your options and make the best choice for you and anyone else who will be involved in the process of pregnancy and/or parenting.  

Midwives and Doulas

A midwife is a trained health care professional who provides services to women throughout pregnancy, birth, and for a short time after birth. A doula is a trained labour support person that supports you before, during, and after birth, and who works for you rather than for a hospital or health care professional. You may choose to hire either a doula or a midwife, or both.

As of 2000, midwifery services are available to women in Manitoba free of charge. Midwives often work in pairs, and are qualified to provide care for both home and hospital deliveries. You do not need a referral from a health care provider to get a midwife. Midwives must be registered with the College of Midwives of Manitoba. Since there are relatively few midwives in Manitoba, if you are considering getting a midwife, it is recommended that you contact each of the centres that offer midwifery care in your area as soon as you find out you are pregnant.