Too often, the experiences of LGBTQIA+ birthing people fall outside the margins of perinatal health research. This Gay Times article brings critical attention to a hidden crisis: queer individuals face significantly higher rates of birth complications, including hemorrhage, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Yet their experiences remain largely invisible in the data that informs perinatal research and policy. We know that birth outcomes are shaped not only by biology but also by the care people receive and the environments in which they give birth. More often than not, those environments were not designed with queer individuals or families in mind.

Addressing this gap requires more than acknowledging disparities. Queer individuals and families deserve to see their experiences reflected in the research that shapes how care is delivered. Perinatal research must take intentional steps to capture the full diversity of giving birth by not only collecting data that includes sexual orientation and gender identity, but also investing the time and resources needed to study the specific and unique perinatal health needs of this population. Building an evidence base that supports respectful, affirming, and effective care for LGBTQIA+ populations is essential to informing perinatal health systems that truly serve all families.