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accessHealthNews.net
July 2025
Volume 11 | Issue No. 98
Mary Beth Taranow, a retired operating room nurse
In the United States, members of the
queer community face exacerbated
health care inequities in their pregnancy
and postpartum care experiences
and outcomes, as compared to their
heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
From discriminatory treatment to
exclusionary health care access, LGBTQ+
individuals and couples should be treated
with the care, respect, and dignity they
deserve.
While Pride Month uniquely highlights
the queer community's ongoing fight for
equality, it is crucial to also spotlight the
reproductive health care crisis affecting
LGBTQ+ individuals—especially those who
are people of color, transmasculine, or
gender-nonconforming.
As systemic discrimination, stigma,
and bias run unchecked, the LGBTQ+
community will continue to face worsening
physical and mental health implications.
Not only can uneducated providers
impact the experience of birthing queer
individuals, but an inability to access care
or insurance coverage for reproductive
services puts health and parenthood at
risk.
A system at fault: Discrimination, bias, and
stigma
LGBTQ+ adults make up around 9.3%
of the U.S. population and 3.8% of the
Missouri population, according to data by
Gallup and the UCLA Williams Institute.
While these population percentages are
small, they are not insignificant. These
queer individuals are disproportionately
experiencing disrespect and worse care.
READ MORE
Access to reproductive care is often limited due to a
lack of insurance coverage, an inability to access fertility/
reproductive services, and discriminatory legislation—
especially for transgender and gender-nonconforming
individuals.
