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Collecting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Information at Death
Ann P Haas1, Andrew D Lane1, John R Blosnich1
1Ann P. Haas is with the Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY. Andrew D. Lane was with the Johnson Family Foundation, New York. John R. Blosnich is with the West Virginia University (WVU) Injury Control Research Center and the WVU Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, Morgantown. Barbara A. Butcher is with Barbara F. Butcher Associates, New York. Maggie G. Mortali is with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New York, NY.
American Journal of Public Health
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data at death is crucial for understanding mortality disparities in sexual and gender minority populations. This data is currently lacking, hindering public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Demography
- Mortality Studies
Background:
- No systematic collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data exists at the time of death in the US.
- Knowledge gaps impede understanding of mortality disparities in sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations.
- Lack of data hinders targeted public health interventions for SGM individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the possibilities and challenges of collecting accurate postmortem SOGI information.
- To provide recommendations for integrating SOGI into standard death record demographics.
- To address critical data gaps concerning SGM mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of four years of experience working with death investigators, coroners, and medical examiners in New York, NY (January 2015–present).
- Qualitative observations on the process and feasibility of collecting postmortem SOGI data.
- Development of recommendations based on practical experience.
Main Results:
- Current data collection practices do not routinely capture postmortem SOGI information.
- Significant challenges exist in obtaining accurate and systematic postmortem SOGI data.
- The absence of this data limits the identification of mortality disparities.
Conclusions:
- Systematic collection of postmortem SOGI data is essential for public health.
- Recommendations are provided to integrate SOGI into standard demographic variables at death.
- Addressing these data gaps is vital for targeted interventions and improving SGM health outcomes.
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