Starting a family can be an emotionally draining, financially burdensome, and generally complex process for individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community often face additional challenges when seeking care and exploring options. . It’s important for everyone to have access to a provider who doesn’t make assumptions but instead asks questions and truly understands the unique obstacles they face.
Finding a fertility practice that not only acknowledges and supports your journey to parenthood but also embraces inclusiveness can be difficult. Being an inclusive practice requires more than having an LGBTQ+ section on their website; this means ensuring that forms, procedures, and staff are up-to-date and inclusive. Here are some tips to help you find an inclusive practice:
- Check that their usage and consent forms are included. Do they provide options for non-binary individuals? Do they ask about your gender expression and sexual orientation? Do they use inclusive language instead of terms like “father” and “mother”?
- See their financial and laboratory forms. Financial estimates should vary depending on whether you are single, part of a same-sex female couple, same-sex male couple, or heterosexual. Do their forms accept same-sex couples for sperm testing and IUI? Do their financial disclosure forms use gender-neutral language? For same-sex male couples donating sperm, are there specific details regarding storage fees, collection fees, and genetic testing fees?
- Review their Patient Bill of Rights. Make sure it includes inclusive language about gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.
- Observe the waiting room. Have you noticed signs of inclusivity like Pride decorations, LGBTQ+ friendly magazines, or unisex bathrooms?
If you’re unsure about a clinic’s inclusivity or their ability to support your family-building needs, don’t hesitate to ask the following questions:
- How long has your practice been working with LGBTQ+ patients?
- How many LGBTQ+ patients have you treated?
- Do you have connections with local attorneys who specialize in LGBTQ+ family building to provide support and guidance for your family options?
- Do you know of any local LGBTQ+ support programs or incentives?
Finding a provider or fertility clinic that meets your needs can be very difficult. We encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician (primary care physician or PCP) as they may be able to recommend an LGBTQ+ friendly fertility partner. We have also received great feedback from clients who have used it this resource to find an inclusive fertility clinic.
Speaking of clinics, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Skora on our Podcast this week. Wanting to be part of a team, Dr. Daniel Skora was drawn to specializing in fertility and obstetrics and went on to create many happy families! Dr. Skora serves as the medical director for LGBTQ+ services at Fertility Specialists of Texas and is passionate about spreading the word about how other clinics can be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. Listen to Episode 6 of Me, You, & Who?!
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