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Lesbians' experiences and attitudes towards parenthood in Greece.

TitleLesbians' experiences and attitudes towards parenthood in Greece.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsVoultsos, P., Zymvragou C-E., Raikos N., & Spiliopoulou C. Chara
JournalCult Health Sex
Volume21
Issue1
Pagination108-120
Date Published2019 01
ISSN1464-5351
KeywordsAdult, Female, Greece, Homosexuality, Female, Humans, Parenting, Prejudice, Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Techniques, Assisted, Single Parent, Single-Parent Family, Socioeconomic Factors, Young Adult
Abstract

Same-sex parenthood is controversial subject. In this paper, we provide insights into the attitudes and experiences of self-reported lesbians regarding parenthood or the prospect of becoming a parent in the current Greek social and cultural context. In Greece, lesbians are not allowed access to in vitro fertilisation (IVF), while a solitary ('single') woman is allowed access for medical reasons. Fifty-nine (59) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with women. What emerged from our data was a clear trend for participants to wish to have their own biological children based mostly on the belief that pregnancy would lead to a sense of self-completeness and/or fulfilment. Women also reported the negative impact of prejudice and social oppression on their reproductive autonomy. Interviewees reported that their reproductive choices were negatively influenced by their family and the wider socio-cultural environment. Even within a semi-permissive legal framework, impaired social acceptance of lesbian parenthood prohibits lesbians from becoming mothers. A major reason responsible for the positive attitude of most participants to shared biological motherhood was an altruistic attitude towards their partners.

DOI10.1080/13691058.2018.1442021
Alternate JournalCult Health Sex
PubMed ID29589799

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