Risk factors for poor obstetric outcomes among lesbian and
bisexual women
Risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes among lesbian and bisexual
women remain poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that
discrepancies in these outcomes are related to disenfranchised sexual
minority status, low socioeconomic status, limited access to health care
and health insurance, and limited healthcare services equipped to treat
the specific needs of these populations.3, 10 Even
prior to conception, sexual minority women are reported to underutilize
routine health care services, including basic services such as screening
for sexually transmitted infections, or attending influenza vaccination
clinics.5 All of these factors negatively affect the
pregnancy outcomes of lesbian and bisexual women.