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