Getting Kids and Keeping Them: Lesbian Motherhood in Europe

Summary

This article looks at two major issues faced by lesbian mothers in Europe: getting kids and keeping them. The first part focuses on the ways lesbians have children, and in particular the different levels of access to formal insemination services for lesbians in European countries. The second part examines custody issues faced by lesbians with children from previous heterosexual relationships, and those faced by lesbians who have children within a lesbian relationship; and legal recognition of the bond between non-biological parents and their children. The article is based on original research and interviews carried out by the author for the book Lesbian Motherhood in Europe.