| “Why Are the Proportions of In-Vitro Fertilisation Interventions for Same Sex Female Couples Increasing?” | This 2021 article investigates data available from the Government Regulator of UK fertility clinics-the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, which is the only data available worldwide on same-sex female couples and their fertility choices. IVF is increasing both in absolute numbers and relative proportions in the UK, compared to licensed donor insemination for same-sex female couples. The author discusses the potential negative ramifications of this increase. |
| “Relationship Satisfaction in Lesbian and Heterosexual Couples Before And After Assisted Reproduction: a Longitudinal Follow-up Study” | In the United States, a 2014 study came to the conclusion that while there were differences between the experiences of same sex couples and heterosexual couples, the similarities far outweighed the differences. Couples noted that their psychosocial wellbeing, sexual satisfaction and marital relationships were impaired by fertility treatments, and a decrease in relationship satisfaction sometimes affected the transition to parenthood for these couples. When the study followed up with the couples after assisted reproduction with donated sperm, the lesbian couples reported more stability and higher satisfaction in their relationships, even when the treatments were unsuccessful. |
| “The Same but Different: Clinician-patient Communication with Gay and Lesbian Patients” | In this 2003 collection of studies done in the U.S. from a counseling and mental health perspective, it was shown that both lesbians and gay men avoid preventative services and treatment services more than their straight counterparts. There are various reasons contributing to these avoidances, including perceived insensitivity among healthcare workers and fear of the consequences of disclosing sexual identity. Patient dissatisfaction appears to be high among gay and lesbian patients, in all medical departments. |
| “Access to Fertility Treatment by Gays, Lesbians, and Unmarried Persons: a Committee Opinion” | This 2013 article “explores the implications of reproduction by single individuals, unmarried heterosexual couples, and gay and lesbian couples, and concludes that ethical arguments supporting denial of access to fertility services on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation cannot be justified.” |
| “Paths to Parenthood Among Self-Identified Bisexual Individuals in the United States” | In this study, published in 2019, the authors conducted in depth interviews with a sample of 33 bisexual parents from across the U.S. who reported having at least one child (genetic, adopted, step or foster child, guardian, and/or warden of the state). In cases of intentional pregnancies, participants considered relationship and financial stability, job security and their ideal family size. |
