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Duke University Study Enables Transgender Grandmother to Breastfeed Grandchild

A groundbreaking study at Duke University has allowed a 50-year-old transgender grandmother to breastfeed her grandchild, sparking a mix of support and controversy.

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In this photo taken on Friday, July 26, 2013, Israeli Orthodox Jew Shahar Hadar puts on a bra as he prepares for the gay pride parade in Rishon Letzion , Israel. Hadar, a telemarketer by day, has taken the gay Orthodox struggle from the synagogue to the stage, beginning to perform as one of Israel’s few religious drag queens. His drag persona is that of a rebbetzin, a female rabbinic advisor, a wholesome guise that stands out among the sarcastic and raunchy cast of characters on Israel’s drag queen circuit. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Overview

  • Duke University researchers assisted a 50-year-old transgender grandmother in breastfeeding her grandchild through hormone treatment, marking a novel case of lactation induction.
  • The individual, moved to tears by the experience, reported a special bond with the grandchild and highlighted the emotional significance of breastfeeding.
  • Critics argue the study disrupts natural mother-child bonding and raises ethical concerns about consent and the use of children in gender medicine research.
  • The study, published in Breastfeeding Medicine, did not report any side effects from the treatment but has drawn criticism for potentially overlooking the health risks to the baby.
  • This case is the fifth reported instance of a trans-identifying male inducing lactation, with previous studies using drug regimens not approved in the US.