The perinatal period uniquely impacts the mental health and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Previous or anticipated experiences of discrimination and invisibility, in addition to system-level inequities, can affect trust in perinatal healthcare providers and the broader healthcare system. These barriers can also impact equitable access to timely, quality healthcare, thereby contributing to poor physical and mental health outcomes and traumatic experiences.
Tip Sheet
Released in March 2023, PCMCH’s Providing Inclusive, Affirming and Safer Perinatal Care to 2SLGBTQIA+ Individuals tip sheet features evidence-based information, practical examples and a list of continuing education opportunities to promote ongoing learning and training. The tip sheet was developed in collaboration with 2SLGBTQIA+ people with lived perinatal care experience and healthcare providers, as well as in consultation with PCMCH’s Maternal-Newborn Committee. An unformatted text version is also available.
Multimedia Resources
Released in August 2023, PCMCH's series of multimedia resources complement the tip sheet. The two new multimedia resources feature the perspectives of:
1. 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (birthing and non-birthing parents) that have accessed healthcare services in Ontario during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, sharing insight on their lived experiences.
2. Interdisciplinary healthcare providers from across the province who champion inclusive, affirming and safer perinatal care for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
Individual perinatal healthcare providers, teams and organizations can use these resources to reflect on and take actionable steps towards improving the quality and cultural safety of the care they provide, with the goal of better understanding and meeting the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and families throughout pregnancy, birthing and postpartum.
Despite our best efforts to strive for inclusivity, we respectfully acknowledge that the language used in these resources may not reflect the perspectives of all care recipients and providers and may evolve over time. PCMCH recognizes that change needs to occur at multiple levels within our society and our healthcare system to achieve inclusivity and equity. As an organization, we are committed to learning and taking intentional action to shape a more inclusive healthcare system for all Ontarians, one that recognizes and celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ people in all their diversity.