Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender content on reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic websites
Approximately 53% of Society for Assisted Reproduc- tive Technology member fertility clinics included website content for LGBT patients; clinics in the Northeast and West and higher-volume clinics were more likely to do so. Transgender and bisexual patients were overall less represented on clinic websites.
Volume 108, Issue 1, Pages 183–191
Authors:
Harold Y. Wu, M.D., Ophelia Yin, B.A., Brent Monseur, M.D., Jessica Selter, M.D., Lillian J. Collins, M.S.P.H., Brandyn D. Lau, M.P.H., C.P.H., Mindy S. Christianson, M.D.
Abstract:
Objective
To assess geographical distribution and practice characteristics of fertility clinics inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients.
Design
Cross-sectional analysis.
Setting
Not applicable.
Patient(s)
None.
Intervention(s)
None.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Prevalence and geographical distribution of fertility clinic websites with LGBT-specific content, indicated by keywords and home page cues specific to the LGBT patient population. Assessment of relationship between LGBT-specific content and clinic characteristics, including U.S. region, clinic size, private versus academic setting, and state-mandated fertility insurance coverage.
Result(s)
Of 379 websites analyzed, 201 (53%) contained LGBT content. Clinics with the highest proportion of LGBT website content were in the Northeast (59/82, 72%) and West (63/96, 66%), while the lowest proportion was in the Midwest (29/74, 39%) and South (50/127, 39%). Most frequently used terms included lesbian (72%), LGBT/LGBTQ (69%), and gay (68%), while less used terms included trans/transgender (32%) and bisexual (15%). Larger clinic size was associated with LGBT-specific website content (odds ratio, 4.42; 95% confidence interval, 2.07–9.67). Practice type and state-mandated fertility insurance coverage were not associated with a clinic website having LGBT content.
Conclusion(s)
Over half of Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology member fertility clinics included LGBT content on their websites, yet those in the Midwest and South were significantly less likely to do so. Predictive factors for having LGBT website content included location in northeastern and western regions and increasing clinic size. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether inclusion of LGBT content on clinic websites impacts use of reproductive services by the LGBT patient population.
1 Comment
This generation in particular gets their information from "Dr. Google". This article highlights the importance of providing high quality information and providers online. I would be curious to know which of the online posts resulted in a face to face clinic visit with a specialized medical provider.