Exploring same sex couples' experiences of maternity care

Abstract

Same sex parenthood is becoming increasingly prevalent around the world. More same sex couples are engaging with maternity services, and as a ‘vulnerable’ group in health care it is imperative that their needs are met ( Burkholder and Burbank, 2012 ). This literature review explores research from around the world to evaluate the care that same-sex parents receive in the maternity sector. No articles were found to include gay men; however, 13 articles focused on lesbian parents. Three main themes arose from the review: the attitudes of health care professionals, the involvement of the co-mother and the invisibility of the lesbian mother due to heteronormativity. It was found that same sex couples receive overall positive care, however, some areas of subtle homophobia remain. Most same sex parents wish to be treated no differently to heterosexual parents, but with special recognition of their diverse family constellation. It is therefore essential that health professionals are educated on the unique needs of lesbian women and gay men.

Health and Access to Care among Reproductive-Age Women by Sexual Orientation and Pregnancy Status

“…Numerous studies also find that pregnant sexual minority women experience prejudice and homophobia from health care providers and medical staff during pregnancy and childbirth, including disparaging comments, lack of respect, and heteronormative language insensitive to the needs of diverse families (e.g., assuming the co-parent is a father rather than a mother) (Dahl, Margrethe Fylkesnes, Sørlie, & Malterud, 2013;Hammond, 2014;Harvey, Carr, & Bernheine, 1989;Larsson & Dykes, 2009;Lee, Taylor, & Raitt, 2011). Sexual minority women also report being worried about societal-based discrimination and stigma harming their families (Gartrell et al, 1996).…”

LGBTQ competence wanted: LGBTQ parents’ experiences of reproductive health care in Sweden

“…Three literature reviews showed that same‐sex mothers experienced heteronormativity, prejudices, overt and covert discrimination and homophobia, insufficient acknowledgement and support. RHPs lacked knowledge about LGBTQ, but also showed positive attitudes towards the same‐sex mothers . Treating the non‐birthing mother as an equal parent was important for a positive experience.…”

Supporting same‐sex mothers in the Nordic child health field: a systematic literature review and meta‐synthesis of the most gender equal countries

“…, Dahl et al . , Hammond ). However, the health of a community is affected by the amount and types of support it receives.…”

“…), literature reviews have focused more on lesbian mothers (Dahl et al . , Hammond ); referred to in this study as same‐sex mothers.…”

“…Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents generally feel included in the child health services (Shields et al . , Hammond ), especially when the focus is on child health care and not their sexuality (Chapman et al . ).…”