Infertility and family building are deeply personal journeys—intensified for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other gender-diverse (LGBTQIA+) parties. Historically, reproductive medicine has centered heteronormative assumptions, inadvertently marginalizing many people who want to start or grow families. To provide equitable, compassionate care, professionals must adopt inclusive language and intentional environments that truly welcome LGBTQIA+ parties.
Here we’ll explore why inclusivity matters in IVF, how language shapes Party experience, and concrete strategies for creating environments where LGBTQIA+ parties feel respected, affirmed, and empowered throughout the IVF process.
Why LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Matters in IVF
1. Reducing Barriers to Care
LGBTQIA+ parties often encounter barriers including:
- Assumptions about sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Invasive or inappropriate questions.
- Forms and communications that only recognize “mother/father” or binary gender options.
- Lack of understanding of diverse family structures and reproductive needs.
These barriers can discourage individuals or couples from pursuing fertility treatment—even when medically indicated.
2. Improving Health Outcomes
Inclusive care leads to better psychological and medical outcomes. Parties who feel respected are more likely to:
- Communicate openly with providers.
- Adhere to treatment plans.
- Experience reduced stress and anxiety during a process that is already emotionally and physically demanding.
3. Ethical and Legal Imperatives
Professionals have an ethical responsibility to provide nondiscriminatory care. In many places, laws also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. An inclusive practice is not just compassionate—it’s compliant.
The Power of Language in Party Care
Language is more than words—it shapes perception, trust, and belonging. For LGBTQIA+ parties, everyday language can either affirm identity or reinforce exclusion.
Inclusive Language Principles
Below are foundational principles to guide communication:
1. Use Gender-Affirming Terminology
Avoid assumptions about gender or relationships. Recognize that:
- A “partner” might be male, female, nonbinary, or gender-diverse.
- Terms like “mother” and “father” may not apply.
Preferred alternatives:
- Instead of “Mom/Dad,” use parent, guardian, parent 1/parent 2.
- Instead of “husband/wife,” use partner/spouse.
- Instead of “woman/man with infertility,” use person/couple seeking IVF.
2. Respect Pronouns
Always ask for and use party’s correct pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them, neopronouns). Misgendering can cause harm—even unintentionally.
Best practice:
- Introduce your own pronouns (“Hi, I’m Dr. Lee, and I use she/her pronouns. What pronouns do you use?”)
- Include pronoun fields on intake forms.
- Train all staff to practice and normalize pronoun sharing.
3. Avoid Heteronormative Assumptions
Default assumptions about relationships or reproductive plans can alienate LGBTQIA+ parties. For example:
- Don’t assume sperm donation is needed for all lesbian couples.
- Don’t assume both partners want to carry a pregnancy.
Words to Avoid
- “Real mother/father”
- Gendered body assumptions (e.g., “as a woman, you must…”)
- Binary language where diversity exists
Words to Use
- Affirming terms like gestational carrier, intended parent(s), assigned male/female at birth (only when medically relevant and with consent).
Inclusive Intake Forms & Documentation
Forms are often the first interaction parties have with a professional. They set the tone for inclusivity.
1. Gender and Name Fields
Include:
- Legal name — for insurance and records
- Chosen name — for respectful communication
- Pronouns — with options and a free-text field
Example:
Legal Name: __________
Chosen Name (if different): __________
Pronouns: ________ (she/her, he/him, they/them, other)
Avoid:
- Gender checkboxes restricted to “Male/Female”
- Questions that require explanation for nonbinary identities
2. Family Structure & Partner Information
Replace:
- “Mother” and “Father” with neutral terms like contact parent/guardian, partner, intended parent.
For example:
Party Relationship Status: ___ (single / married / partnered / other)
Partner’s Name: __________
Partner’s Pronouns: __________
Relationship to Party: __________
Conclusion: Beyond Words—Towards Welcoming Care
Inclusive language and welcoming environments are not “extras” in reproductive care—they are essential for providing equitable, respectful IVF services to LGBTQIA+ parties. By reexamining language, redesigning intake systems, training staff, and affirming every parent’s journey, professionals can transform party experiences and outcomes. Inclusivity is rooted in dignity, respect, and care.
Modern Fertility Law has made this content available to the general public for informational purposes only. The information on this site is not intended to convey legal opinions or legal advice. For further information on medical issues, please consult the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.