Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made history as the world’s first man to give birth. Born female and later transitioning, Thomas gained global attention in 2008 after carrying and delivering his first child, Susan. His decision sparked worldwide debate and brought intense backlash, including hate mail and death threats.
Despite discrimination from medical professionals and public criticism, Thomas remained committed to living authentically. He stopped testosterone treatment in 2006 to conceive after fertility struggles with his then-wife, Nancy. Following a 48-hour labor, Susan was born healthy, marking the first documented case of a legally recognized man giving birth within a marriage to a woman.
Over the next five years, Thomas experienced additional pregnancies and, together with Nancy, raised three children: Susan, Austin, and Jensen. He became a powerful advocate for reproductive rights, famously stating on The Oprah Winfrey Show that wanting a child is a human desire, not a gendered one.
After divorcing Nancy, Thomas married Amber in 2016 and moved to Oregon with their blended family. Today, he lives a quieter life, working as a stockbroker in Phoenix, occasionally speaking publicly and acting.
Now 50, Thomas reflects on the impact of his story, noting that at the time, transgender men were largely invisible in public life. While the experience was overwhelming, he says he has no regretsand believes his journey helped open important conversations about gender, fertility, and parenthood.