‘‘It wasn’t ‘let’s get pregnant and go do it’:’’ Decision Making in Lesbian Couples Planning Motherhood via Donor Insemination

T he increase in reproductive technology and the recognition by gay and lesbian individuals that their sexual orientation does not exclude them from becoming parents has led to a ‘‘gayby’’ boom (Dunne, 2000). This boom enabled family scholars to study the evolution of this relatively new family form (Stacey, 1996). Research on the transitions to parenthood among lesbian couples in a heterocentric society is increasingly apparent (Allen & Demo, 1995; Dunne; Lewin, 1994; Murphy, 2001; Reimann, 1997). However, more research is needed that describes the experiences of lesbian and gay families and the decisions they make in planning for parenthood. This qualitative study narrows this gap by discussing a decision-making model that conceptualized the transition to parenting for lesbian couples using donor insemination (DI) as a means to become parents. The major research questions explored here include: What does the process of transitioning to parenthood consist of for lesbian couples? What areas of consideration exist in the decision-making process for lesbians planning for parenthood? What institutional, societal, and personal support mechanisms influenced the decision-making process? What institutional, societal, and personal barriers influenced the decision-making process?