Last updated on March 29, 2023
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 HCPs 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.
Released in 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. Individual perinatal HCPs, teams and organizations can use this resource 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. 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.
Despite our best efforts to strive for inclusivity, we respectfully acknowledge that the language used in this tip sheet 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.
PCMCH is developing complementary video resources that will be released later this year that aim to provide insight on the experiences and outcomes of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who have lived experience accessing perinatal healthcare services in Ontario.