Every Monday EFC busts myths and takes names, cutting through the misinformation, disinformation, and straight up nonsense to bring you the facts
Pregnancy isn’t just something which affects people who identify as heterosexual. Those who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual can also experience pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned. In fact, a Canadian study of LGB youth found that they were more likely than their heterosexual peers to report having been pregnant or having caused a pregnancy.
Behaviour doesn’t always follow on logically from identity. As the young advocates on Youth Resource point out, ‘self-identifying as lesbian or gay does not mean that someone will never have sex with a member of the other sex.’ A lesbian woman or gay man may choose to have sex with someone of the opposite sex in order to become pregnant/cause pregnancy; they may feel under pressure to do so; or they may, at that point in their lives, find themselves sexually attracted to someone of the opposite sex. ‘People who are questioning their sexual orientation may experiment in an effort to determine their sexual identity’ or to present themselves to others as heterosexual. Of course all women can become pregnant as a result of rape.
It’s important not to make assumptions about someone’s sexual activity or reproductive health based on their sexual identity or preference.
Anyone who finds themselves pregnant, however they identify, deserves honest, impartial information and advice about their options. Since 1 in 3 women in this country will have an abortion during their reproductive lives it’s really something we all need to know about.
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