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.