Currently about 85% of lesbian parents are having children in a same-sex relationship.  Between 50%-70% of lesbian parents are using an artificial conception procedure using a known sperm donor (most are gay men). Between half and two thirds of gay sperm donors have some contact with the child.

The options

In the process of conception, financial restrictions still apply to access to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services for lesbians and same-sex attracted women. Although access is available to all women in NSW regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, Medicare rebates are only granted to women who can prove ‘medical infertility’. Women who are unable to conceive in the absence of a male partner are defined as ‘socially infertile’.

Research indicates that due to the high cost associated with IVF services, many women in same-sex couples in NSW choose to self inseminate with a known donor. The implications of using a known donor outside of regulated clinical settings include higher risk of STI and HIV transmission. This risk is again increased in cases involving gay or bisexual male donors. In the absence of affordable access to services, information regarding STI and HIV testing procedures and associated time frames is crucial in self insemination scenarios for lesbians and same-sex attracted women.

Following conception, the need for accessible high quality pre-natal, natal and post-natal care provision is as essential to lesbians and same-sex attracted women as it is to heterosexual women. In this context, the presence of homophobia and heterosexism in mainstream obstetric and genealogical or gynaecological health settings can negatively impact on the quality of service and related health outcomes for lesbians and same-sex attracted women both during and after pregnancy.

More info

Contact: ACON’s Lesbian & Same-Sex Attracted Women’s Health Project

Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: women@acon.org.au