ACOG Committee Opinion No. 428: Legal status: health impact for lesbian couples.

Abstract

Women in same-sex relationships encounter barriers to health care that include concerns about confidentiality and disclosure, discriminatory attitudes and treatment,limited access to health care and health insurance, and often a limited understanding as to what their health risks may be. Lesbians and their families also are adversely affected by the lack of legal recognition of their relationships. Tangible harm comes from the lack of financial and health care protections that are granted to legal spouses, and children are harmed by the lack of protections afforded married families. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses equitable treatment for lesbians and their families, not only for direct health care needs but also for indirect health care issues;this should include the same legal protections afforded married couples.