Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples will be given advice on how to start families in a new initiative for Scotland.
The move is a joint venture by NHS Lothian and local adoption and legal specialists in Edinburgh's New Town.
Maruska Greenwood, director of the
LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, where the event will take place, told the Scotsman: “Today, families with lesbian, gay or bisexual parents are
becoming gradually more seen and accepted.
“Increasingly,
same-sex couples are choosing to become parents through adoption,
artificial insemination, surrogacy, or foster parenting, while some gay,
lesbian and bisexual parents have children from previous relationships.
“Starting a family can present unique challenges and decisions
for same-sex couples and this is a rare and important opportunity for
LGBT people to have their needs and concerns addressed.”
Organisers are hoping it will compensate for difficulties many same-sex couples face in accessing services.
Scott Rasmusen, a partner at the city family law firm
Gibson Kerr, said: “Getting family planning advice, including legal
expertise, is very important when it comes to making life-changing
decisions such as having or adopting children.
“There are a lot
of complex issues to be discussed, and gay or lesbian partners should
feel comfortable when getting the right advice from a trusted expert or
family law advisor.”
The LGBT family planning event takes place on November 16 from 6.30pm at 9 Howe Street, www.lgbthealth.org.uk.
