Project Date: Jun. 2020 - Dec. 2020, Co-PI: Emily Walling, and Nina Jackson Levin. Co-I: Anao Zhang
Project Period: Sep., 2021 - Aug. 2022.
This project explores the experiences of fertility preservation among queer-identifying adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer. The intersection of reproductive health and oncology, known as oncofertility, is often guided by a heteronormative approach to gender, sexuality, and future family-making. Queer-identifying patients and survivors often encounter oncofertility care that is inappropriate for their needs, and incongruent with their queer identities, intimate relationships, and goals for future-family making. Therefore, this study aims to better understand and improve upon queer AYA’s experiences of fertility preservation and sexual health counseling during cancer.