The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55465

Carla I Rodas, MPH, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, 635 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94606, 415-514-3740, rodasc@obgyn.ucsf.edu and Nanette K Gartrell, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 3570 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA 94118.

This report from a descriptive, longitudinal study of 84 lesbian families presents interview data when the index children, all conceived by donor insemination, were 10 years old. Previous interviews took place when the mothers were inseminating or pregnant (T1), when the index children were 2 (T2)), and 5 years old (T3). During the current interview, the children were asked about their experiences of homophobia. Their mothers provided information about health concerns, educational choices, support systems and discrimination concerns. The mothers also completed a Child Behavior checklist. Despite efforts to shield them from the harsh realities of discrimination, most of the index children had experienced homophobia from peers or teachers. The children discussed their responses to homophobia, and their coping strategies for dealing with discrimination. This presentation will address the everyday realities of raising children in lesbian families.

Learning Objectives:

• * To present interview data when index children, all conceived by donor insemination, were 10 years old.
• * This presentation will address the everyday realities of raising children in lesbian families.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.