Birthing Relationships and Rural Health Practices: The Experiences of Queer Women and Their Perinatal Care Providers

“This study examined gendered and queer practices at the intersection of birthing, which historically and institutionally has been heteronormatively constructed. While providers are caring and well-intended in their provision of clinical care, they often have little recognition of the pervasiveness in which systemic heteronormativity permeates healthcare, and how this translates into negative health outcomes for LGBQ+ women, particularly those in birthing care. We sought to further understand the gendered nature of birth and the complex ways in which homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and intolerance are embedded in health care structures”