LGBTQ+ Pregnancy
- abigailcwallace
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Little reported fact: Bisexual & Lesbian women are 2.85 times more likely to have a pregnancy that ends in stillbirth. Although there isn't a ton of research on this subject just yet, this is backed by the NIH's study Sexual Orientation Disparities in Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes - PMC. Statistics show that bisexual and lesbian
women experience significantly higher odds of miscarriage and stillbirth compared to heterosexual cis women. One study found bisexual/lesbian people had nearly double the odds of miscarriage and more than twice the risk of stillbirth after accounting for various factors.
Why? Many of the same reasons you see disparities in outcomes in other marginalized groups: high rates of discrimination (both within the healthcare system and in our society in general), resulting in chronic stress and physical “weathering” and of course, the ubiquitous issue of birthing people – especially non-traditional/minority birthing people – not being heard by their medical providers.
Also, if you use IVF to get pregnant, it is automatically a higher-risk pregnancy, and requires more monitoring and attention to delivery time. Some people going through IVF have experienced providers not telling them about certain risks, such as those inherent to continuing a pregnancy past 40 weeks, and the risk of stillbirth being 4X the risk. (Visit our IFV page for more info)
Public Health Ontario also confirms LGBTQ+ people, particularly bisexual women, face elevated risk of depression and anxiety, often accompanied by higher levels of stress during pregnancy and postpartum. Trans and nonbinary individuals may face even greater mental health strain due to discrimination and a lack of affirming care.
At PUSH we believe that love is love, and we unequivocally support the rights of families and parents of every shape, color, and configuration to raise children and receive equitable healthcare wherever their parenthood journey may take them, no matter how they identify. When that journey includes pregnancy, we will do everything in our power to empower LGBTQ+ families to advocate for themselves and their babies.
Understanding these disparities is essential to improving outcomes, care quality, and justice for LGBTQ+ birthing people. Key steps include:
Expanding research to capture the unique profiles of LGBTQ+ pregnancy outcomes.
Training providers in inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed perinatal care.
Strengthening mental health support, with early screening and accessible affirming care.
Building support networks, particularly for isolated or invisibilized individuals.
Pregnancy and birth should be a time of empowerment, but for LGBTQ+ individuals, it’s often layered with added risks—medical, emotional, and structural. By acknowledging and addressing these disparities, healthcare systems can move toward more equitable, inclusive perinatal care—one that honors and supports all birthing journeys.
Valuable resources:
