Going down the path of parenthood is an intimidating journey for all soon-to-be-parents, especially so for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely than not accustomed to being treated differently.
Being able to offer a safe and caring space while giving medical advice and treatment is vital for the LGBTQ+ community. It should also be the bare minimum and will hopefully become the ‘norm’ for all involved in starting a family.
Offering unbiased fertility care includes mindful language due to the power that words hold. The value of using affirming and inclusive language cannot be denied, and providers should be open to continuously learning to use inclusive speech. This will then allow trust and understanding to be built and provide comfort for situations like discussing fertility.
Validating and supporting each individual’s path to parenthood will provide a compassionate and judgment-free space, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community. That is why this call to inclusive fertility care is so important; everyone deserves acceptance, understanding, and guidance.