Adults Conceived via Donor Insemination by Lesbian Parents Reflect on Their Own Future Parenting Plans (and Their Own Parents Reflect on Being Grandparents)

September 2023

A new report from the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study asked 75 adult offspring conceived via donor insemination by lesbian parents about their parenting plans and how they anticipated addressing their nontraditional conception with their children. The study appeared in LGBTQ+ Family in September 2023.

AUTHORS

Esther D. Rothblum
Distinguished Visiting Scholar
Henny M.W. Bos
Professor, University of Amsterdam
Nicola Carone
Assistant Professor, University of Pavia
Audrey S. Koh
Assistant Professor, University of California, San Francisco
Nanette Gartrell
Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Highlights

Offspring did not expect their background to be a challenge, though some mentioned negative reactions from society.

Offspring were excited to love and accept their future children with open-mindedness to the children’s uniqueness.

The grandparents, who were the original participants in NLLFS, viewed their role as very important and essential.

Data Points

11%

of offspring were parents

63%

of those without children plan to have them in the future

52%

of offspring anticipated no challenges related to their upbringing

23%

anticipated challenges related to society's reactions

33%

of offspring expected to be more open and accepting of their children due to their upbringing

33%

expected having a better understanding of family or society

Please contact our communications office to request a copy of this study.

Adults Conceived via Donor Insemination by Lesbian Parents Reflect on Their Own Future Parenting Plans (and Their Own Parents Reflect on Being Grandparents)