Infertility and Reproductive Loss

This entry describes LGBTQ experiences of infertility and reproductive loss, including pregnancy loss (often referred to as miscarriage in early-to-mid pregnancy), infant loss following pregnancy, failed adoption, and failed surrogacy arrangements. Although reproductive loss and infertility are common—estimates suggest that nearly 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and infertility is on the rise in many areas of the world—little has been written about LGBTQ people’s experiences with them. Similarly, few studies are available on cases of adoption to LGBTQ families that are not completed, or children that are placed with an adoptive LGBTQ family (often for up to 30 days, depending on local laws) being “reclaimed” by a birth parent. Because of this, concerns that are unique or heightened for LGBTQ families—such as financial concerns ...