Psychology

The transition to parenthood for lesbian couples

Document Type

Article

Abstract

While there is a slowly growing literature on lesbians with older children, the literature on the transition to parenthood for lesbian couples is scant. The current study examines aspects of the transition to parenthood experience for 29 lesbian couples. Specifically, this study explores aspects of couples' decision-making regarding alternative insemination (e.g., who would carry and bear the child, donor type), perceptions of social support across the transition to parenthood, and availability and use of legal safeguards (such as wills, powers of attorney, and coparent adoptions by nonbiological mothers). Future studies should explore how single lesbians manage the transition to parenthood. Research on lesbians and gay men who are pursuing parenthood through adoption is also needed. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Journal of GLBT Family Studies

Publication Date

4-19-2006

Volume

2

Issue

1

First Page

13

Last Page

42

ISSN

1550-428X

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1300/J461v02n01_02

Keywords

alternative insemination, legal issues, lesbian couples, lesbian mothers, parenthood decision, transition to parenthood

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