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Category: Family Formation

SB- 729

Senate Bill 729

Exciting, news! Our IVF insurance bill, SB 729, passed the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday. This is the farthest our bill has ever advanced, and it would not have happened

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May 18, 2023

Baby Boy

Guest Post by Nicole Opper Nicole and Kristan document their journey into the foster care system to adopt a child in their new comedic documentary web series The

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June 9, 2017

Solo Parent Support

By Dr. Meghan Lewis As my bio-clock struck thirty, the resounding tick-tock of surging pregnancy urges pushed me eagerly into musings over a wide range

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July 20, 2015

The Rainbow Letters

by Julia Winston and Zach Wahls We are Zach and Julia, and we have LGBTQ parents. Zach is a DI baby from Iowa with two

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February 25, 2015

Our Family Forest

by Anthony M. Brown, Board Chairman of Men Having Babies When my daughter documented her family tree for a class project, there were so many

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December 16, 2014

Thank you for joining us in celebrating and supporting LGBTQ families.

Every contribution, whether one-time or monthly, helps us honor the extraordinary LGBTQ families in our community. Our Family Coalition is the only organization in California dedicated to advancing equity and advocating on behalf of our families, and one of the few nationwide. By giving, you stand with us in pride and solidarity, ensuring that every family feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Your support has been crucial and with your help we can continue this legacy for generations.

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Trust Your Own Knowledge

 

While healthcare providers bring expertise in medicine, you are the expert on your own body, experiences, and needs. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself and communicate your concerns. Phrases to lean on: “This is not normal for my body” “I have never experienced these symptoms before now” … 

Advocate for Comprehensive Explanations

You have the right to fully understand any diagnosis, treatment, or procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations that make sense to you. For instance, say, “Can you walk me through how this treatment will work?” or “What are some possible side effects?” “What should I look out for?” 

Right to Informed Consent

You have the right to understand all aspects of your care, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Never feel pressured into any procedure without clear information.

Confidentiality Protections

HIPAA laws safeguard your privacy and health information. Healthcare providers must keep all your personal health information confidential.

Anti-Discrimination Protections

Federal laws like Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibit discrimination in healthcare on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.

Pause and Reflect

If you’re unsure about a treatment recommendation, it’s okay to take a pause. Say something like, “I’d like to take some time to consider this before making a decision.” This gives you the space to process without feeling pressured. You can discuss a timeline with your provider that works for you. It is okay to want more time.

Ask About Alternatives

You’re entitled to know if there are other options that might work for you. If a provider presents a single course of action, ask, “Are there other ways to approach this?” or “What other treatments might be possible?” or “Why are you recommending this treatment plan compared to alternative options?”

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