Taking Pride in Helping LGBTQIA+ Families Grow

Family planning is an exciting time for anyone wanting to become a parent. Though for LGBTQIA+ individuals, there may be some additional obstacles to navigate. 

LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples often face unique challenges in family planning, such as bias and lack of access to services like fertility treatments and adoption. Therefore, it’s important for individuals and couples in the community to seek out professionals who are knowledgeable and supportive of their particular needs and experiences.

LGBTQIA+ family-planning counseling may be provided by licensed therapists or counselors who specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, fertility experts and adoption agencies with experience serving the LGBTQIA+ community or by a well-versed obstetrician or gynecologist.

Counseling for LGBTQIA+ family planning can help individuals and couples explore their options and navigate the complex legal and social landscape of parenthood. Counseling:

• Aims to empower individuals and couples to make informed decisions and support them in achieving their goals.
• May involve discussions about various family planning options, including adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• May address legal issues surrounding parenthood for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, such as adoption laws and parental rights.

As we commemorate Pride Month, Pediatrix® Medical Group is committed to implementing inclusive practices and policies that ensure equal and respectful treatment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Playing a Vital Role

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are often viewed as health care professionals who focus on the health of people with female reproductive organs, including prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy, childbirth, gynecological issues and perimenopausal and menopause concerns. However, many OBGYNs and MFM specialists are highly experienced and trained in family planning for all individuals, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Regarding family planning, many Pediatrix OBGYNs and MFM specialists offer various services, such as fertility assessments and treatments, as well as provide information and referrals to fertility specialists, sperm banks, surrogacy programs and adoption agencies. They may also offer counseling and support throughout the family-planning process. 

In addition, many are knowledgeable about the range of gender identities, sexual orientations and diverse family structures within this community and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all patients.

“I welcome all individuals in my practice, and it is a joy to work with people in creating a family,” said Suzanne Bovone, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN with Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Jose, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. “Family is defined by the person, and we are here to achieve what family means to each individual or couple,” said Dr. Bovone. “It often takes a team of support, not only in the office, but also in the community as well. We are happy to be on the journey and to continue for years to see families grow.”

Addressing Family Planning Concerns of the LGBTQIA+ Community

LGBTQIA+ families may face prejudice when trying to become parents, such as through adoption and surrogacy laws that often work against LGBTQIA+ individuals; or social stigmatization related to expectations around gender roles and parenting. Many OBGYNs and MFM specialists can provide comprehensive, culturally competent and affirming reproductive health care that addresses the distinct needs and concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on:

• Providing culturally competent care — Understanding the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the challenges they face. 
• Discussing fertility options — Discussing fertility options, including IUI and IVF, providing guidance on sperm and egg donation and surrogacy, and referring patients to appropriate specialists.
• Addressing reproductive health concerns — Addressing any reproductive health concerns that LGBTQIA+ patients may have, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical cancer screening and breast health. They should also provide routine preventive care, such as pelvic exams and mammograms, based on individual patient needs.

Beyond Family Planning: A Lifelong Care Journey

LGBTQIA+ care doesn’t stop at family planning. Our neonatologists and pediatric hospitalists are there at the beginning of life, ensuring babies have every opportunity to grow and thrive. Once they are home with their families, the continuum of care continues throughout infancy, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. 

For nearly 45 years, our clinicians have been committed to providing coordinated, compassionate and clinically excellent services across the continuum of care, both in hospital settings and office-based practices. Specialties, including obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology, are complemented by more than 20 pediatric subspecialties. Our priority remains to provide evidence-based, individualized care to all children, ensuring their health, development and well-being are promoted throughout their childhood.

“We want all children and all families who come to seek care with us to feel welcome and seen and to know they are receiving excellent care,” said Jennie Allen-Rich, M.D., fetal and pediatric cardiologist with Pediatrix Northwest Congenital Heart Care.

Trusted Providers and Resources

It’s essential to work with health care providers who are knowledgeable and respectful of patients’ distinct needs and experiences. It’s also important to feel comfortable and safe when discussing personal and sensitive issues with a health care provider. 

Pediatrix® Medical Group puts patients’ care and needs first. The company recently offered an educational session titled “LGBTQIA+ Identity in a Health Care Setting” to equip both our clinical and non-clinical populations with knowledge on how they can provide the most inclusive experience to this population.

• We’re committed to helping all individuals and couples, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, achieve their family-planning goals and continuing to Take great care of the patient, every day and in every way ^TM.

   

  Please visit pediatrix.com to learn more about our services and find a clinician near you.