Do LGTB people desire to have children? A Brazilian cross-sectional survey

TL;DR

This study explores the desire for children among Brazilian LGBT individuals and the challenges they face, including financial barriers and societal prejudice.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the reproductive desires and obstacles faced by the LGBT community in Brazil, particularly regarding ART.

Findings

Over 90% of LGBT individuals in Brazil desire to have biological or adoptive children.

Financial barriers and lack of awareness about ART legislation are significant challenges.

Societal prejudice and unequal healthcare treatment remain prevalent despite increasing acceptance.

Abstract

To identify whether the LGBT community desires to start a family and the
major challenges they experience, especially in regards to assisted
reproductive technology (ART) procedures in Brazil.

This cross-sectional study invited individuals Brazilian, identified
themselves as cisgender, and homosexual (male and female); aged 18-60, the
study used an online questionnaire distributed through various
platforms.

Of the 698 respondents, mostly educated and Caucasian, 86.7% were female.
While 69% expressed same-sex orientation, many were in long-term
relationships. Family acceptance varied, with financial barriers (69.3%) and
societal prejudices (73.1%) being significant concerns. Despite a desire for
children (92% were childless), only 10% consulted infertility specialists,
and 66.5% were unaware of ART legislation. Emotionally, 51.1% felt
unprepared for parenthood. While societal acceptance of non-heteronormative
families is perceived to be increasing (53%), unequal healthcare treatment
(73.1%) and societal pressures (20% felt pressured towards adoption) remain
prevalent.

Over 90% of LGBT individuals contemplate having biological or adoptive
children. There’s notable ignorance about legislation and ART. Financial
hurdles in ART are significant but manageable with proper planning.
Prejudice also strongly influences their lives.