Abstract
The family planning needs of sexual minority women (SMW) are an understudied but growing
area of research. SMW have family planning needs, both similar to and distinct from
their exclusively heterosexual peers. Specifically, SMW experience unintended pregnancies
at higher rates than their exclusively heterosexual peers, but factors that increase
this risk are not well understood. Contraception use is not uncommon among SMW, but
lesbian women are less likely to use contraception than bisexual or exclusively heterosexual
women. High rates of unintended pregnancy suggest contraception is underused among
SMW. Contraception counseling guidelines specific to SMW do not yet exist, but greater
adoption of current best practices is likely to meet the needs of SMW. SMW may have
unique needs for their planned pregnancies as well, for which obstetrics and gynecology
(Ob/Gyn) providers should provide care and referrals. In general, understandings of
the distinct family planning needs for SMW are limited and further research is needed,
with particular attention to issues of overlapping health disparities related to status
as a SMW and other factors such as race/ethnicity that may add additional layers of
stigma and discrimination. Clinical resources are needed to help Ob/Gyns make their
practice more welcoming to the needs of SMW.
Keywords
family planning - contraception - sexual minority women
