Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents’ Experiences with Pediatricians: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract Despite unique health risks and outcomes among adopted children, most pediatricians receive little training about this population. The current mixed-methods study explored lesbian, gay, and heterosexual adoptive parents' (n = 224, in 129 families) experiences with and perspectives on pediatricians. Parents in the study adopted via private domestic, public domestic, and international adoption. Parents who adopted via public domestic adoption were more likely to talk with pediatricians about adoption while parents who adopted internationally were most likely to feel positively about their pediatrician’s adoption competence. Qualitative findings suggest that while parents did not look to pediatricians as sources of adoption expertise, they were disappointed when doctors did not take the adoption context into account when providing medical treatment. Findings hold implications for adoptive families, adoption practitioners, and health professionals, especially pediatricians.