Lesbian childbearing couples' dilemmas and decisions
Kenney, J.W.; Tash, D.T.
Health Care for Women International 13(2): 209-219
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 1587783 DOI: 10.1080/07399339209515993Document Number: 319575
It is estimated that 2-23% of all American women are lesbians. The number of lesbian couples choosing to bear children is increasing. This process creates many dilemmas and difficult decisions for lesbian couples such as: how to conceive, where to find a lesbian sensitive health care provider, how to handle their personal, family, and lesbian social relationships. These are in addition to all the common dilemmas of pregnant women like where to give birth, and how to assimilate new roles and responsibilities into their lives and employment. 2 studies have shown that 40-72% of lesbians surveyed received negative responses from health care providers after revealing their sexual orientation. In 1 study 83% of lesbian women chose artificial insemination, of these 66% used an unknown donor. In an 1989 study of 36 childbearing lesbians, 52% sought care from physicians, 48% from nurse-midwives or lay-midwives, 11% were refused prenatal care by health care practitioners. Health care providers need to learn more about lesbian's lifestyles and health care concerns. Reading traditional and underground literature and attending workshops and lectures about the gay and lesbian population will also be useful. It is a professional responsibility to promote lesbian health. Ignoring this right is a negligent practice.