Decision-making process of women identifying as lesbians prior to having children with same-sex partners

Abstract

Purpose

This study reveals the decision-making process of women identifying as a lesbian to have children with a biological connection to them or their same-sex partners.

Method

The study recruited four Japanese lesbians raising or wishing to have children with a biological connection to them or their same-sex partners. Narratives during interviews were used as data. Analysis used the trajectory equifinality model to describe the process of making a decision to have a child.

Results

Despite facing various challenges in having children as lesbians, they decided to have children in a stable relationship with their partner. Decisions regarding which methods to use for having children, who will give birth, and the choice of sperm donor, among others, were made according to individual values.

Conclusion

The study observed that the decision-making process of lesbians in having children with same-sex partners undergoes a period of conflict about whether or not to have children and of discussions regarding methods for having children.

Several decisions were made on how to have children, according to individual values.

Thus, accumulating basic data is necessary for future studies to consider the acceptance of healthcare providers of the needs of lesbian couples who intend to have biological children.