Lesbian Health Care: Women's Experiences and the Role for Social Work |
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| Authors: | Lucy R Mercier Rena D Harold Margaret Dimond Scott Berlin |
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| Institution: | 1. Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Social Work and Youth Services, University Center , MI;2. Michigan State University, School of Social Work , East Lansing , MI;3. Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI;4. Grand Valley State University , Allendale , MI |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT Lesbian patients and their families may be exposed to discriminatory practices in the health care system. This qualitative study of 57 Midwestern lesbian parents used open- and closed-ended questions to examine the experiences the respondents had with their primary and secondary health care providers. Four themes emerged from the data: systemic barriers to health care, coming out to providers, seeking lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-friendly health care providers, and concern about mistreatment and prejudice within the health care system. Implications for service delivery, health care education, and directions in policy and research are explored. |
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| Keywords: | LGBT lesbian parents health care diversity |
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