The experiences of sexual and gender minorities accessing perinatal care: A scoping review

Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience discrimination and stigma when accessing healthcare due to the prevalence of dominant heterocisnormative culture, which leads to poorer health outcomes when compared to the general population. Current international perinatal care policies mostly do not acknowledge the existence of SGMs or their health care needs.

To conduct a scoping review that examines the existing international literature on the experiences of childbearing SGMs accessing perinatal care.

English-language primary evidence discussing the experiences of SGMs accessing perinatal care. Eligibility was not restricted by country or study design.

Studies were sourced from CINAHL, Scopus and OVID Medline using standardised search strategies.Chartings Methods:Data were charted in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Sixteen studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. Studies originated from predominantly western countries and contexts. Participants were predominantly white and highly educated where demographic data were available. Five themes were identified: structural stigma, interpersonal stigma, affirmation of identity, resilience and positive experiences. Intersex experiences are under-researched.

The findings demonstrate several barriers and facilitators experienced by SGMs while accessing perinatal care. Policies should be developed to address stigma and barriers and support inclusive practice, alleviating the burden on SGM people to resist heterocisnormativity when seeking care in perinatal settings.