- 15 -
accessHealthNews.net
December 2025
Volume 12 | Issue No. 102
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.
A study by the Association of American
Medical Colleges (AAMC) Center for
Health Justice found that more than
half (51%) of queer individuals felt their
birthing care was impacted by bias or
discrimination, as compared to 35% of
straight, cisgender people.
This deep-rooted inequity is perpetuated
systemically by the overlooking of differing
family structures and relationships, as well
as insufficient training and education for
health care providers.
READ MORE
