Social Work Commons^™

State Recognition Of Same-Sex Relationships And Preparations For End Of Life Among Lesbian And Gay Boomers, Brian Devries, Anne Mason, Jean Quam, Kimberly D. Acquaviva

Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW

The authors compared 793 nonheterosexual baby boomers on their relationship status (single or in a civil union) and the state in which they lived (did or did not recognize same-sex civil unions). Analyses revealed patterns attributable to participants’ relationship status, state recognition, and the combination of these variables. Findings showed that state recognition of same-sex unions has an impact not only on nonheterosexual individuals’ current quality of life but also on their future plans and emotional responses to those plans. A lack of legal recognition requires nonheterosexuals to take greater action to ensure that their end-of-life wishes will be carried …

Reproductive Decision Making Among Lesbian Women, Misty Wall

Misty Wall

A non-experimental, survey design was used to determine which factors influence a lesbian woman’s decision to have, or not have, a child. Data was collected via the internet from 373 adult women, who self identify as lesbian. This study was guided by feminist theory and attempts to connect existing empirical literature regarding decision making with the experiences of lesbian women.

Review of existing theoretical and empirical literature regarding decision making and lesbian headed families showed that six factors; family of origin support, extrinsic religiosity, perceived ability to parent, internalized homophobia, perceived impact of motherhood, and fear of prejudice and discrimination …