Why Shouldn't Lesbian Women Who Miscarry Receive Special Consideration?

Abstract

Over the past 20 years investigators have explored the incidence, experience, and extent of grieving following miscarriage for heterosexual partnered women and, to some degree, for men. Prior investigations confirm an increase in disturbed emotions following unexpected pregnancy loss and suggest a variety of predisposing social and obstetrical factors that lead to such responses. Little is known, however, about the ways in which lesbian women experience and respond to miscarriage. An argument is made that given the increased number of lesbian women attempting pregnancy through alternative methods of conception, research is warranted that explores their experiences and potentially unique caring needs following miscarriage.

Key Words:

• Lesbian women
• miscarriage
• unexpected pregnancy loss