Thomas Beatie became famous after being the first man to become pregnant, and later wrote a memoir to detail his unique journey. Thomas, originally born Tracy, is a transgender man living in Maricopa County, Arizona. Thomas decided to carry the children to term when it was discovered that his partner of ten years, Nancy, was infertile. The two share three children, each achieved through artificial insemination.
The Beatie family is once again in the spotlight, now for a nasty custody battle over the couple’s three children. Thomas insists that he is the child’s primary caregiver, and that Nancy was abusive and not involved in their care. Nancy claims that Thomas was rarely around, and instead, “ was in his office day trading, or whatever he does in his office.”
Thomas is also claiming that in addition to being violent, Nancy often abused alcohol which intensified the bouts of abuse. The preceding judge is questioning their marriage of ten years- that may be invalid due to Thomas’ birth gender. Arizona does not yet recognize same sex marriage.
Outside of their unique situation, their divorce is like many of the more than 1 million divorces that occur each year in the United States. According to this website more than 11 out of every 1000 people seek divorce annually in Arizona- a statistic much higher than the national average. Divorce attorneys point the prevalence of divorce to a equally abnormally high marriage rate.
According to Arizona-based divorce attorney Timothy Durkin, if the testimony is truthful Nancy Beatie may stand to lose her case. Regardless of who gave birth factors such as alcohol abuse, physical abuse and relationship with the children are all heavily considered during divorce and child custody proceedings. The judge is expected to reach a decision by the end of the month.
