Barriers to Care
Note. From LGBTQIA Inclusive Pregnancy And Birth Care [Web Art], by Web Inspired Pro, 2026 (https://www.inspiredbirthpro.com/lgbtqia-inclusive-pregnancy-birth-care/).
Social
Many of the issues with all same-sex couples concerns regard a fear of stigma and/or discrimination. Although most pregnant women have fears regarding having children and what this does to their lives, homosexual women often experience higher rates of stress and anxiety primarily due to to childrearing being mostly categorised as an experience for only those who are heterosexual (Croll et al., 2022). Societal barriers for same-sex couples during pregnancy also include lower socioeconomic standing, poor social support systems, increased discrimination, and increased rates of intimate partner violence (Sherriff, 2025). The stress and anxiety of being discriminated against and being negatively viewed within society can create an intense fear to seek proper maternity care during pregnancy. This ultimately leads to isolation/seclusion, not accessing care, and thus increases poorer outcomes.
System Barriers
Many systemic barriers exist for pregnant people to access maternity care, with the barriers for same-sex couples being significantly overwhelming. Kirubarajan et al., 2022 discussed some of the main barriers for same-sex couple included financial barriers, transport barriers, lack of information regarding where to seek help, legal stressors, and increased wait times to see healthcare professionals being a few. These system barriers can affect all couples, however, present a greater challenge for the vulnerable population of same-sex couples due to being yet another obstacle they must cross to receive adequate care. Croll et al. (2022) details how lesbian women will often underuse basic healthcare services, such as STI testing and receiving influenza vaccinations, often increasing the risks associated with these illnesses when pregnant.
Lack of Health professional knowledge
Often healthcare professionals have poor understanding of how to care for same-sex couples during the perinatal period. Croll et al. 2022) details how substandard care from health professionals who are not well educated in caring for the complex needs of same-sex couples is often viewed as a large barrier to these couples seeking further medical assistance with their pregnancies. This can lead to same-sex couples not being adequately educated on what they need to do to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Sherriff (2025) describes how same-sex couples felt the healthcare professionals caring for them during their perinatal period had poor communication strategies, caused feelings of awkwardness during appointments, and in more extreme encounters experienced homophobia. This lack of knowledge from healthcare professionals can often make it difficult for same-sex couples to disclose their concerns and get the appropriate help they need during the peripartum period.