HOW TO FIND COMPREHENSIVE LGBTQ+ FERTILITY SUPPORT
Navigating fertility treatments can be an isolating experience for anyone but all the more so for a person who identifies as LGBTQ+. Healthcare has historically been dominated by a heteronormative narrative that excludes individuals and couples who would make amazing parents but don’t fit that limiting mold. Maybe you, yourself have felt overlooked and undervalued. It doesn’t have to stay this way. The good news is that there is a growing number of providers training in and offering inclusive care. Here, we will explore some ways to identify and locate inclusive and competent care providers for your unique fertility process.
LGBTQ+ Family Building
Fortunately, most fertility clinics are experienced in providing family building options to folks who identify as LGBTQ+. If you are a client of mine in the PNW or New England, chances are, it won’t be too difficult to find fertility care that considers and honors your particular lived experience. However, there are still some areas of the country that haven’t adopted inclusive policies and there are some insurance carriers who don’t cover family building care for LGBTQ+ individuals or couples. If you live in a more conservative part of the country, it may take a bit more work to find competent and inclusive healthcare. No matter where you live, it’s always helpful to know what to look for when searching for a new service, particularly that involving your healthcare.
So, let’s discuss a few resources that you’ll want on your radar when vetting fertility clinics.
The Family Equality Council has a certificate training called Open Door Professional Training. This is a great credential to look for on fertility providers websites as it is one of few certificate programs in the country.
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center provides a robust library of education resources for providers.
Essential Access Health champions research, advocacy, and professional training for equitable sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Reading patient reviews online is always advised when scoping out a new clinic or provider. See what others have to say about their inclusivity and breadth of care.
Check with local LGBTQ centers. They often partner with trusted providers in your area.
LGBTQ+ FERTILITY CLINICS BY REGION
Clinics that offer inclusive care by regions that I work in include the following:
SEATTLE AREA LGBTQ+ FERTILITY OPTIONS
RHODE ISLAND LGBTQ+ FERTILITY OPTIONS
Women and Infant’s Fertility Center
If you live outside of these regions, hold hope that there are a growing number of comprehensive healthcare services that prioritize you and your family building needs. Always feel free to reach out to me here if you are aware of other resources or are in need of fertility counseling yourself. I’m happy to grow, learn, and serve this population with greater inclusivity and care!