Assisted Human Reproduction: Issues for Takatāpui (New Zealand Indigenous Non-Heterosexuals)

Abstract

GLBT people's right to access assisted human reproduction (AHR) technologies have been widely discussed, but their attitudes toward and experiences of AHR remain relatively unexplored. In New Zealand, the attitudes of the indigenous Māori population toward AHR have also not been comprehensively studied, largely because of the misperception that Māori enjoy optimal fertility. This paper presents, for the first time, the views of takatāpui (Māori GLBT individuals) toward AHR gathered within a larger qualitative study that used key informant interviews and focus groups with a diverse range of Māori participants. Owing to the importance of children, family, and genealogy in Māori culture, takatāpui experienced the same cultural assumptions that they would have children as heterosexuals. However, homophobia and heterosexism were seen as barriers to takatāpui becoming parents. Concerns were raised that the current underground pathway to parenthood taken by some takatāpui may result in health risks and uncertain legal status. Participants recommended informing takatāpui about the various pathways to parenthood when they are young so that they could enjoy the same fertility choices as their heterosexual peers.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous GLBT
• GLBT attitudes about assisted human reproduction
• Māori
• assisted human reproduction