The Transition from Infertility to Adoption: Perceptions of Lesbian and Heterosexual Couples

Managing multiple goals during fertility treatment: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…Within this model, parenthood, but not necessarily biological parenthood, would appear to be the overarching goal for participants. Previous research has suggested a sequential process from fertility treatment, adjusting to treatment failure, and then considering alternative parenting options (Goldberg et al, 2009). This research suggests that couples may consider alternative family building options alongside treatment, although there is scope to understand better why couples pursue IVF rather than adoption, even while expressing openness to both.…”

Social Factors Predicting Women’s Consideration of Adoption

“…However, few had initiated any steps toward adoption. Goldberg, Downing, and Richardson (2009) examined the transition from infertility to adoption in 30 lesbian and 30 heterosexual couples. All of the couples had tried to conceive before pursuing adoption and all were waiting for an adoptive placement.…”

Law and LGBQ-Parent Families

“…In a related vein, a more equitable legal context may result in LGBQ people perceiving different pathways to parenthood, namely adoption, as possible and legally secure. Removing the legal barriers for LGBQ people adopting may be particularly important given that some LGBQ people are more open to adoption and have more expansive understandings of family and parenthood that do not rest on biology in comparison to their heterosexual peers (Goldberg et al 2009;Kazyak et al 2014;Weston 1991). Additionally, our review suggests that creating a more equitable legal context may increase family well-being.…”

“…As Brown et al note: "Some [lesbian and gay] families clearly fear that this is not equal protection under the law for their adopted children" (p. 239). Further, studies by Goldberg et al (2009) and Kinkler and Goldberg (2011) found that some LGBQ adoptive parents had a difficult time finding agencies that would work with them. Scholars argue that Black lesbian and bisexual individuals in particular may be disproportionately affected by anti-LGBQ adoption policies given that "Black children are greatly overrepresented in the foster care system and are most likely to be adopted by Black women."…”

“…Moreover, the negative impact of the law on LGBQ parent's mental health may be especially exacerbated for parents who are not legally recognized as parents. Given the lack of legal recognition, they experience anxiety and fear that their child will be taken away from them and that they will have no legal recourse to remedy the situation (Butterfield and Padavic 2014;Goldberg et al 2009;Kazyak 2015;Kinkler and Goldberg 2011;Lev 2006).…”