1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« This article explores how lesbian families have formed and grown in Canada since the 1970s. It looks at the various types of lesbian families in Canada and explores lesbians’ past and current access to reproductive technologies and adoption across Canada. Current Canadian literature is presented, including information on lesbians’ and their families’ experiences with the medical profession. » (p. 281)

2. Méthode

Type de traitement des données :
Recension d’écrits et réflexion critique

3. Résumé

« In summary, the formation and continuance of a lesbian family has gotten easier over the last few decades but there are still major challenges to achieve pregnancy or adoption in a lesbian relationship. In addition, Canadian research is severely lacking. This lack of research is in part due to the low number of individuals who have successfully adopted or become pregnant as lesbians in Canada. The Canadian research that does exist has come to the same conclusions as the research with lesbian families worldwide. Generally speaking, lesbian families and lesbian parents are at least as competent as heterosexual parents and families. Currently the biggest hindrance to the formation and continuance of lesbian families is the heteronormative attitudes that exist in Canadian society. Thankfully, the medical profession is now more aware and sensitive than it was a few decades ago to the often unique needs of lesbians and their families. The heteronormative attitudes will not change over night but as Canadians become more informed about lesbian families, it is hoped that the homophobia and heterosexism that currently exist and interfere with lesbian families will decrease. » (p. 293)