Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-4-2024

Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted with six participants who identify as Queer and/or Lesbian investigating supports and barriers to family building using Assisted Human Reproduction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted allowing participants to share their experiences and self-identify the significant supports and barriers in their process. Interviews were transcribed and coded using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis identifying three supports and four barriers. Results demonstrated that all participants identified their community and/or their Queer community and their partner and/or family as key supports and two-thirds of participants identified as a support their own background or knowledge. All participants described the high cost or financial toll and the high demand of information and five out of six participants described perceived discrimination/institutional barriers and mental health as significant barriers. The discussion focuses on the importance of integrating information on barriers and protective factors that are faced by queer families into the healthcare literature in order to reduce marginalization.

Keywords

Queer, Family, Assisted Human Reproduction, IVF, Family Building, Reproductive Justice

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Family Studies

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Individual, Family, and Community Education

First Committee Member (Chair)

Alexandra Davis

Second Committee Member

Ashely Martin-Cuillar

Third Committee Member

Cara Streit

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